New York voters face final push as Hochul holds lead

Gov. Kathy Hochul holds an 11 point lead over her Republican opponent in the race for New York governor, according to a new Marist Poll. The survey found that 53 percent of likely voters support Hochul, while 42 percent back Bruce Blakeman, the Nassau County executive.

Blakeman has pushed back against these numbers. He argues that the poll did not include enough Republican voters and believes the actual gap is smaller than the data suggests. Despite the dispute, the results stand as the most recent snapshot of the race before Election Day.

The candidates used Monday to campaign in different parts of the city. Hochul appeared in Midtown with members of the Hotel and Gaming Trades Council. She pointed to high early voting numbers as a good sign for her party heading into Tuesday.

Blakeman spent his day on the Upper East Side. He focused his message on congestion pricing, a toll on traffic entering Manhattan that he promised to repeal if he wins the office. His team continues to position this issue as a top priority for working families who drive into the city.

Both campaigns are working to rally their supporters in this final stretch. Hochul is expected to sign a bill regulating chatbots for children on Tuesday morning. Blakeman will also make public appearances later in the day to keep his momentum going.

This contest is one of the most watched on the New York ballot. The outcome will determine who leads the state through the next term, with both candidates actively engaging voters until polls close on Tuesday.