Gov. Kathy Hochul goes into the final day of New York's governor's race well ahead of Republican Bruce Blakeman, who spent the closing stretch hammering her on taxes and energy costs, Fox News reported.
The latest Siena Research Institute poll, released last week, had Hochul up 54% to 40% among likely voters. In September, her lead was 9 points. Siena pollster Steven Greenberg said Blakeman was "quickly running out of time." More than two-thirds of likely voters in the survey expect Hochul to win.
Quinnipiac University found much the same in a poll released Oct. 21, with Hochul at 55% and Blakeman at 41%. Marist put the race at 53% to 42% among registered voters earlier in the month, amNY reported.
The numbers hide a closer fight outside the five boroughs. Siena found the two candidates running about even upstate and in the downstate suburbs. Quinnipiac showed Blakeman ahead among independents, 51% to 44%.
What voters care about most splits them sharply. Hochul led 72% to 27% among likely voters who named the economy as their top issue, Quinnipiac found. Among those focused on immigration, Blakeman led 71% to 28%.
Hochul has run on affordability. She points to energy rebate checks, middle-class tax cuts, new housing programs and the expansion of universal child care, according to amNY.
Blakeman, the Nassau County executive, has gone after her record on utility rates, cashless bail and sanctuary policies. He has also tried to link the more moderate Hochul to Mamdani, New York City's democratic socialist mayor, CBS New York reported.
Both candidates were on the trail Sunday, the last day of early voting. Blakeman stopped in Northport on Long Island, ABC7 New York reported.
Further down the ballot, Attorney General Letitia James faces Republican Saritha Komatireddy. A Siena poll conducted Oct. 19-22 showed James ahead 54% to 39%.