Within just a week of Congresswoman Elise Stefanik (R-NY-21) formally announcing her candidacy for governor of New York next year – ending months of speculation – a new poll shows the Schuylerville Republican trailing Governor Kathy Hochul (D) by just three points.
A J.L. Partners survey of 500 likely voters shows Hochul leading Stefanik 46%-43% in a hypothetical matchup, with 11% undecided. According to the study, just 37% of respondents said they would consider re-electing Hochul, while 55% said it was time for “someone new.”
The same poll showed Stefanik far ahead of Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman (R-Atlantic Beach) in a hypothetical Republican Primary – 74%-5%. Blakeman has not formally announced his candidacy, but has publicly expressed interest in the race. On Election Day this year, Blakeman easily won a second term as Nassau County Executive, beating Nassau County Legislator Seth Koslow (D-Merrick) 56%-44%.
In terms of name recognition, Stefanik also has an upper hand over Blakeman in the Republican Primary poll conducted by the same firm. Of the 400 likely Republican Primary voters, Stefanik has a “very favorable” or “somewhat favorable” rating of more than 75% of respondents. Only less than 25% of respondents did not know of Stefanik or had no opinion of her.
On the other hand, more than 75% of respondents did not know of Blakeman or had no opinion of him.
The poll was conducted on November 9-10. It also found that only 40% of likely New York voters “strongly approve” of Hochul’s job performance, compared to 54% who “somewhat” or “strongly” disapprove.
The poll has a margin of error of +/- 4.4%.
“Another independent poll puts New York’s gubernatorial race within the margin of error with Elise Stefanik atop the Republican ticket and beating Kathy Hochul among Independent voters,” said Bernadette Breslin, Team Elise Spokeswoman, in a statement. “She is also the strongest candidate on the ballot for the general election and the strongest with Independents.”
Stefanik recently slammed Hochul using the Governor’s own words, “this bullsh*t has to stop.”
“Kathy Hochul has earned the title of Worst Governor in America because she has made New York the most unaffordable state in the nation. These are your words, Kathy: ‘This bullsh*t has to stop,’” said Stefanik in a statement. “And it will when Republicans, Democrats, and Independents unify next November to fire Kathy Hochul and save New York with common-sense policies that make our state affordable and safe.”
