Hochul Edges Blakeman 49-39 in Siena Poll as NY Voters Prioritize Housing and Prices

Siena’s August poll of likely New York voters shows Gov. Kathy Hochul leading Bruce Blakeman 49% to 39% (a 10-point edge that doesn’t cross 50%), with Hochul’s lead shrinking from June’s registered-voter results. In other statewide races, Attorney General James leads Saritha Komatireddy 54-36 and Comptroller DiNapoli leads Hernandez 55-32. Voters say Hochul would do better on increasing affordable housing (51-35) and making prices more affordable (48-41), and developing NY’s energy future (47-42); they’re closer on safety and on immigrants. Four character traits split: Blakeman is seen as tougher and more effective at “getting things done,” while Hochul lags on “in touch with average New Yorkers” and is viewed less favorably on honesty in some questions. Independents favor Hochul on housing but lean Blakeman on other issues. Hochul dominates NYC (64-19) but trails Blakeman in downstate suburbs (about 49-41). DSA had a negative view, AI was viewed unfavorably, and the poll followed Aug 3-6, 2026 with MOEs around 4-5 points based on 811 likely voters.