2026 New York gubernatorial election

Last updated

2026 New York gubernatorial election
Flag of New York.svg
←  2022 November 3, 20262030 →
 
Party Democratic Republican
Incumbent Governor

Kathy Hochul
Democratic



The 2026 New York gubernatorial election is scheduled to take place on November 3, 2026. Incumbent Democratic Governor Kathy Hochul took office on August 24, 2021, upon the resignation of Andrew Cuomo. Hochul was elected to a full term in her own right in 2022 with 53.1% of the vote in the closest New York gubernatorial election since 1994. Hochul announced her intention to run for re-election in July 2024.

Contents

Republicans have not won a statewide election in New York since George Pataki was re-elected Governor in 2002.

Democratic primary

Background

Due to low approval ratings, poor Democratic performances in the 2022 midterm elections in New York, and controversies surrounding her administration, Hochul has been considered vulnerable to a primary challenge in 2026. [1] Lieutenant Governor Antonio Delgado launched his campaign for the Democratic nomination on June 2, 2025, after months of reports about a fraying relationship between Delgado and the governor's office. [2]

Governor

Candidates

Declared
Declined

Endorsements

Kathy Hochul

U.S. representatives

State legislators

Party chapters

Organizations

Declined to endorse
State legislators

Polling

Aggregate polls

Source of poll
aggregation		Dates
administered		Dates
updated		Antonio
Delgado		Kathy
Hochul		Undecided [b] Margin
RealClearPolitics [18] March 26 – November 12, 2025November 18, 202513.5%53.5%33.0%Hochul +40.0%
Poll sourceDate(s)
administered		Sample
size [c] 		Margin
of error		Antonio
Delgado		Kathy
Hochul		OtherUndecided
Siena University [19] November 10–12, 2025802 (RV)± 4.0%16%56%3% [d] 25%
GrayHouse (R) [20] [e] September 20–26, 2025605 (LV)–14%43%15% [f] 28%
Siena University [22] August 4–7, 2025813 (RV)± 4.2%15%50%4%31%
Hypothetical polling
Kathy Hochul vs. Antonio Delgado vs. Ritchie Torres
Poll sourceDate(s)
administered		Sample
size [c] 		Margin
of error		Kathy
Hochul		Antonio
Delgado		Ritchie
Torres		OtherUndecided
Siena College [23] June 23–26, 2025800 (RV)± 4.4%49%12%10%4%26%
Siena College [24] May 12–15, 2025805 (RV)± 4.3%46%12%10%4% [g] 28%
GrayHouse (R) [25] April 22–24, 2025262 (RV)–24%6%7%8% [h] 55%
Siena College [26] April 14–16, 2025802 (RV)± 4.4%44%12%9%5% [i] 30%
Data for Progress (D) [27] March 26–31, 2025767 (LV)± 4.0%51%11%11%–27%
Siena College [28] March 2–6, 2025400 (RV)–46%11%10%4% [g] 28%
Citizen Data [29] [A] February 10, 2025– (RV)± 4.4%52%15%12%–21%

Lieutenant governor

Candidates

Potential
Declined

Republican primary

Background

U.S. representative Elise Stefanik was considered a potential candidate throughout 2025. She then formally announced her candidacy on November 7, 2025. [33] A July 2025 Siena poll showed Stefanik leading two other potential Republican gubernatorial candidates, U.S. Rep. Mike Lawler and Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman. [34] In May 2025, President Donald Trump endorsed Lawler and Blakeman for re-election to their current posts "in what experts say is a not-so-subtle attempt to clear the field for upstate Congresswoman Elise Stefanik to get the GOP nomination". [35]

On July 23, 2025, Mike Lawler announced that he would run for re-election to Congress. [36]

Governor

Candidates

Declared
Filed paperwork
Publicly expressed interest
Withdrawn
Declined

Endorsements

Elise Stefanik
Statewide officials
U.S. representatives
State legislators
County officials
Local officials
Party officials
Individuals

Polling

Hypothetical polling
Poll sourceDate(s)
administered		Sample
size [c] 		Margin
of error		Bruce
Blakeman		Mike
Lawler		Elise
Stefanik		OtherUndecided
J.L. Partners (R) [58] November 9–10, 2025400 (LV)± 4.9%5%–74%7% [j] 14%
Siena College [23] June 23–26, 2025800 (RV)± 4.4%7%18%35%1%39%
co/efficient (R) [59] June 18–20, 20251108 (LV)± 3.8%6%8%64%–22%
Siena College [24] May 12–15, 2025805 (RV)± 4.3%11%22%35%2% [k] 30%
co/efficient (R) [60] May 1–2, 20251163 (LV)± 3.3%8%9%56%–27%
GrayHouse (R) [25] April 22–24, 2025400 (RV)± 5.0%5%7%44%–44%
Siena College [26] April 14–16, 2025802 (RV)± 4.4%28%22%–4% [g] 46%
Siena College [28] March 2–6, 2025400 (RV)–13%25%–3% [d] 60%

Conservative primary

Governor

Candidates

Potential

Independents and other parties

Candidates

Declared

Filed paperwork

Publicly expressed interest

General election

Predictions

SourceRankingAs of
The Cook Political Report [65] Likely DSeptember 11, 2025
Inside Elections [66] Likely DAugust 28, 2025
Sabato's Crystal Ball [67] Likely DSeptember 4, 2025
Race to the WH [68] Likely DSeptember 16, 2025

Polling

Aggregate polls

Source of poll
aggregation		Dates
administered		Dates
updated		Kathy
Hochul		Elise
Stefanik		Other/Undecided
[l] 		Margin
Race to the WH [69] April 30 – November 18, 2025November 19, 202549.8%35.8%14.4%Hochul +14.0%

Kathy Hochul vs. Elise Stefanik

Poll sourceDate(s)
administered		Sample
size [c] 		Margin
of error		Kathy
Hochul (D)		Elise
Stefanik (R)		OtherUndecided
Siena College [19] November 10–12, 2025802 (RV)± 4.0%52%32%2% [k] 14%
J.L. Partners (R) [70] November 9–10, 2025500 (LV)± 4.4%46%43%–11%
Manhattan Institute (R) [71] October 22–26, 2025900 (LV/RV)± 3.3%42%43%9% [m] 6%
GrayHouse (R) [20] [e] September 20–26, 20251,250 (LV)± 2.6%48%43%–9%
Siena College [72] September 8–10, 2025802 (RV)± 4.2%52%27%3%17%
Siena College [22] August 4–7, 2025813 (RV)± 4.2%45%31%3%20%
Siena College [23] June 23–26, 2025800 (RV)± 4.4%47%24%–29%
Harper Polling (R) [73] [B] May 7–9, 2025600 (LV)± 4.0%50%39%–11%
co/efficient (R) [60] May 1–2, 20251,163 (LV)± 3.3%43%42%–15%
GrayHouse (R) [25] April 22–24, 2025600 (RV)± 4.0%46%40%–14%

Antonio Delgado vs. Elise Stefanik

Poll sourceDate(s)
administered		Sample
size [c] 		Margin
of error		Antonio
Delgado (D)		Elise
Stefanik (R)		Undecided
Manhattan Institute (R) [71] October 22–26, 2025900 (LV/RV)± 3.3%37%43%20%
Hypothetical polling

Kathy Hochul vs. Bruce Blakeman

Poll sourceDate(s)
administered		Sample
size [c] 		Margin
of error		Kathy
Hochul (D)		Bruce
Blakeman (R)		OtherUndecided
J.L. Partners (R) [70] November 9–10, 2025500 (LV)± 4.4%47%36%–17%
Siena College [23] June 23–26, 2025800 (RV)± 4.4%44%19%–37%
GrayHouse (R) [25] April 22–24, 2025600 (RV)± 4.0%44%36%–20%

Kathy Hochul vs. Mike Lawler

Poll sourceDate(s)
administered		Sample
size [c] 		Margin
of error		Kathy
Hochul (D)		Mike
Lawler (R)		OtherUndecided
Siena College [23] June 23–26, 2025800 (RV)± 4.4%44%24%–32%
Harper Polling (R) [73] [B] May 7–9, 2025600 (LV)± 4.0%48%41%–11%
GrayHouse (R) [25] April 22–24, 2025600 (RV)± 4.0%45%38%–17%
Citizen Data [29] [A] February 10, 20251,000 (RV)± 3.1%46%38%10%6% [n]

Kathy Hochul vs. different candidate

Poll sourceDate(s)
administered		Sample
size [c] 		Margin
of error		Kathy
Hochul (D)		Different
Candidate		Undecided
Siena College [19] November 10–12, 2025802 (RV)± 4.0%42%48%10%
J.L. Partners (R) [70] November 9–10, 2025500 (LV)± 4.4%37%55%7%
GrayHouse (R) [20] September 20–26, 20251,250 (LV)± 2.6%34%59%7%
Siena College [72] September 8–10, 2025802 (RV)± 4.2%37%51%12%
Siena College [22] August 4–7, 2025813 (RV)± 4.2%35%53%12%
Siena College [23] June 23–26, 2025800 (RV)± 4.4%37%55%8%
Siena College [24] May 12–15, 2025805 (RV)± 4.3%36%55%9%
GrayHouse (R) [25] April 22–24, 2025600 (RV)± 4.0%27%61%12%
Siena College [26] April 14–16, 2025802 (RV)± 4.4%39%48%13%
Siena College [28] March 2–6, 2025806 (RV)± 4.3%34%56%10%
Siena College [74] January 27–30, 2025803 (RV)± 4.2%31%57%12%
Siena College [75] December 2–5, 20241,059 (RV)± 4.1%33%57%11%
Slingshot Strategies (D) [76] May 2–3, 20241,059 (RV)± 5.0%34%44%21%

Kathy Hochul vs. generic Republican

Poll sourceDate(s)
administered		Sample
size [c] 		Margin
of error		Kathy
Hochul (D)		Generic
Republican		Undecided
J.L. Partners (R) [70] November 9–10, 2025500 (LV)± 4.4%45%42%13%

See also

Notes

  1. ↑ Cashman won a special election held on November 4, 2025, and will resign as town supervisor in early 2026 to assume office.
  2. ↑ Calculated by taking the difference of 100% and all other candidates combined.
  3. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Key:
    A – all adults
    RV – registered voters
    LV – likely voters
    V – unclear
  4. 1 2 "Someone else" with 3%
  5. 1 2 Poll sponsored by a Stefanik-affiliated PAC. [21]
  6. ↑ "Someone else" with 15%
  7. 1 2 3 "Someone else" with 4%
  8. ↑ Jamaal Bowman with 8%
  9. ↑ "Someone else" with 5%
  10. ↑ "Someone else" with 7%
  11. 1 2 "Someone else" with 2%
  12. ↑ Calculated by taking the difference of 100% and all other candidates combined.
  13. ↑ "Someone else" with 9%
  14. ↑ "I don't plan to vote in this election" with 6%

Partisan clients

  1. 1 2 Poll sponsored by Unite NY
  2. 1 2 Poll conducted for an undisclosed Republican client

References

  1. ↑ Reisman, Nick (September 5, 2024). "Hochul's headwinds become tougher with indictment of alleged foreign agent". Politico .
  2. 1 2 3 Mays, Jeffery C. (June 2, 2025). "Antonio Delgado, Hochul's No. 2, Will Challenge Her in Governor's Race". The New York Times . ISSN   0362-4331 . Retrieved June 2, 2025.
  3. ↑ Parsnow, Luke (July 2, 2024). "Hochul says she's running for another term as New York governor in 2026". Spectrum News . Archived from the original on July 8, 2024. Retrieved August 20, 2024.
  4. ↑ Coltin, Jeff (February 4, 2025). "Letitia James is taking on Donald Trump — again". Politico . Retrieved February 4, 2025. Asked about a run for governor in 2026, she said that's the year she'll be running for reelection as attorney general
  5. ↑ Solender, Andrew (December 12, 2024). "GOP Rep. Ciscomani passes on run for Arizona governor". Axios . Retrieved December 12, 2024. Rep. Tom Suozzi (D-N.Y.) told Axios he won't mount another run for governor in 2026.
  6. 1 2 3 4 Reisman, Nick (June 3, 2025). "Cuomo's national strategy". Politico .
  7. ↑ Jefferson, Austin (July 2, 2025). "Ritchie Torres will not run for governor". City & State .
  8. ↑ "Citizen Action endorses Lt. Gov. Antonio Delgado for New York governor in 2026". Spectrum News 1. Retrieved September 13, 2025.
  9. ↑ "Food & Water Action is proud to endorse Lt. Governor Anthony Delgado for Governor". Food & Water Action on Facebook. Retrieved November 11, 2025.
  10. ↑ "Third Act New York endorses Delgado for Governor". GrayPAC. November 11, 2025. Retrieved November 11, 2025.
  11. ↑ "BREAKING: We're ready for Round 2! Today, we came to Wall Street to endorse @DelgadoforNY for Governor". NYCFC on Facebook. Retrieved November 16, 2025.
  12. 1 2 Rebecca, Lewis; Jefferson, Austin (June 6, 2025). "County Democratic Party chairs go in for Hochul". City and State . Retrieved June 6, 2025.
  13. 1 2 Jefferson, Austin; Lewis, Rebecca (June 2, 2025). "Lt. Gov. Antonio Delgado launches campaign for governor". City and State . Retrieved June 2, 2025.
  14. ↑ Veronica, Nick (July 10, 2025). "Erie County Dems give Gov. Hochul unanimous endorsement for reelection". WIVB-TV . Retrieved July 12, 2025.
  15. ↑ "EMILYs List Endorses New York Gov. Kathy Hochul for Reelection". EMILYs List. Retrieved June 13, 2025.
  16. ↑ "Jewish Dems Endorsed Candidates". Jewish Democratic Council of America. Retrieved November 14, 2025.
  17. ↑ State, Kate Lisa New York. "Democrat N.Y. Assemblyman-elect declines to endorse Hochul". spectrumlocalnews.com. Retrieved November 11, 2025.
  18. ↑ "2026 New York Governor - Democratic Primary". RealClearPolitics. Retrieved September 13, 2025.
  19. 1 2 3 "Hochul Approval/Favorability Ratings Down a Little; Maintains Huge Lead Over Delgado Among Dems; Leads Stefanik by 20 Points, down from 25 in September". Siena College Research Institute. November 18, 2025. Retrieved November 18, 2025.
  20. 1 2 3 "New York Statewide Survey – Hochul Enters 2026 Deeply Vulnerable". Politico. October 6, 2025. Retrieved October 9, 2025.
  21. ↑ "Hochul's lead over Stefanik narrows in poll". MSN. Retrieved November 18, 2025.
  22. 1 2 3 "Hochul Approval & Favorability Ratings Up a Little; Hochul Lead Over Stefanik In 2026 Race Falls to 14 Points, 45-31%, from 23 Points, 47-24%, in June; Voters Say if Stefanik Runs & Is Elected Gov, It Would Be Bad for NY, 49-37%" (PDF). Siena College Research Institute. August 12, 2025. Retrieved August 12, 2025.
  23. 1 2 3 4 5 6 "Siena College Poll Conducted by the Siena College Research Institute" (PDF). Siena College Research Institute. July 1, 2025. Retrieved July 1, 2025.
  24. 1 2 3 "Siena College Poll Conducted by the Siena College Research Institute" (PDF). Siena College Research Institute. May 20, 2025. Retrieved May 20, 2025.
  25. 1 2 3 4 5 6 "New York Poll Results - GrayHouse". Politico. April 28, 2025. Retrieved April 28, 2025.
  26. 1 2 3 "Siena College Poll Conducted by the Siena College Research Institute" (PDF). Siena College Research Institute. April 22, 2025. Retrieved April 24, 2025.
  27. ↑ "Incumbent Hochul Has Large Lead in 2026 New York Gubernatorial Race". Data for Progress. April 7, 2025. Retrieved April 7, 2025.
  28. 1 2 3 "Hochul – with a Big Lead in a Very Early Democratic Primary Look – Gets Good Grades from Voters on Protecting Constitutional Rights & Ensuring Quality Affordable Healthcare, But Not on Making NY More Affordable". Siena College Research Institute. March 20, 2025. Retrieved March 20, 2025.
  29. 1 2 "Unite NY Poll: Hochul Leads Lawler by Single Digits". The Daily Post. February 25, 2025. Retrieved March 20, 2025.
  30. 1 2 Lewis, Rebecca; Jefferson, Austin (June 16, 2025). "The way-too-early 2026 gubernatorial election preview". City & State . Retrieved June 16, 2025.
  31. 1 2 3 Campbell, Jon (November 12, 2025). "NY Gov. Hochul's running mate shortlist includes Brooklyn DA, state lawmaker". Gothamist . Retrieved November 12, 2025.
  32. ↑ Golde, Vaughn (February 24, 2025). "NY Lt. Gov. Antonio Delgado announces he's leaving ticket following public breaks with Hochul". New York Post . Retrieved February 24, 2025.
  33. ↑ "Rep. Elise Stefanik announces run for New York governor, challenging Kathy Hochul in 2026 election - CBS New York". CBS. November 7, 2025. Retrieved November 7, 2025.
  34. ↑ Parsnow, Luke. "Poll: Stefanik leads potential GOP field for N.Y. governor; Hochul leads all 3". spectrumlocalnews.com.
  35. ↑ Kramer, Marcia (May 7, 2025). "Ahead of N.Y. governor's race, President Trump's endorsements send "loud message"". www.cbsnews.com.
  36. ↑ Anderson, Renee; Kramer, Marcia; Woodall, Hunter (July 23, 2025). "Mike Lawler to sit out New York governor's race and run for reelection in House district". CBS News . Retrieved July 30, 2025.
  37. ↑ Bowman, Bridget (November 6, 2025). "Rep. Elise Stefanik launches run for New York governor". NBC News . Retrieved November 6, 2025.
  38. 1 2 3 "New York State Board of Elections Public Reporting System - List of Filers". New York State Board of Elections. Retrieved September 6, 2025.
  39. ↑ "Pat Hahn for New York State GOVERNOR 2026" . Retrieved September 6, 2025.
  40. ↑ "List of Filers". New York State Board of Elections. Retrieved August 17, 2025.
  41. ↑ Buchiere, Steve (May 24, 2024). "David Tulley faces $15.2 million fine for running unlicensed cannabis stores". Finger Lake Times. Retrieved August 17, 2025.
  42. ↑ @JasonBeeferman (May 12, 2025). "Former Republican Lt. Gov. @Betsy_McCaughey says she's explored running for governor again, and hasn't made a decision yet. @sidrosenberg also said this morning she's running for the seat" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  43. ↑ "MSN". www.msn.com. Retrieved November 5, 2025.
  44. ↑ "Carl Hyde Jr for NY State Governor – I am running for NY State Govenor". October 20, 2025. Retrieved October 28, 2025.
  45. ↑ Quinn, Brian (February 14, 2025). "Bethany town supervisor planning gubernatorial run". The Daily News . Retrieved February 14, 2025.
  46. ↑ Fandos, Nicholas; Haberman, Maggie (July 23, 2025). "Lawler Will Seek Re-election to House, Forgoing Run for N.Y. Governor". The New York Times . Retrieved July 23, 2025.
  47. ↑ Marbone, Aaron (November 8, 2025). "Stefanik announces run for governor". Adirondack Daily Enterprise. Retrieved November 8, 2025.
  48. 1 2 3 4 5 6 "Stefanik announcement sparks political reaction". WRGB . November 7, 2025. Retrieved November 8, 2025.
  49. ↑ Manore, Alexis (November 7, 2025). "Stefanik secures endorsements from area Republicans in governor campaign". The Daily Sentinel. Retrieved November 11, 2025.
  50. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 "It's Official: Elise Stefanik Launches Bid for New York Governor, Pledges to Restore Prosperity & Safety". WRGB . November 7, 2025. Retrieved November 8, 2025.
  51. 1 2 3 4 Day, Felix (November 10, 2025). "Nine county executives back Stefanik for New York Governor". WRGB . Retrieved November 10, 2025.
  52. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 "Elise Stefanik officially files & announces run for New York governor". Niagara Frotier Publications. November 7, 2025. Retrieved November 9, 2025.
  53. 1 2 LAPIN, ANDREW (November 10, 2025). "Elise Stefanik, Republican who dominated House antisemitism hearings, to run for New York governor". J. Retrieved November 10, 2025.
  54. ↑ Anderson, Renee; Kramer, Marcia (November 8, 2025). "Rep. Elise Stefanik announces run for New York governor, potentially challenging Kathy Hochul in 2026 election". Politico . Retrieved November 8, 2025.
  55. ↑ Reisman, Nick (October 16, 2025). "Mamdani is Kinda Sorta Almost with Hochul". CBS News . Retrieved October 19, 2025.
  56. ↑ Feldman, Joseph (November 10, 2025). "Miriam Adelson Praises Stefanik at Sunday Zoa Gala, Signals Support for NY Governor Bid". VINnews . Retrieved November 10, 2025.
  57. ↑ "Elise Stefanik Congresswoman 11-07-25", 77 WABC , November 7, 2025, retrieved November 8, 2025
  58. ↑ "NY GOP Primary Poll" (PDF). J.L. Partners. November 12, 2025. Retrieved November 12, 2025.
  59. ↑ Campanile, Carl (June 29, 2025). "One NY Republican opens massive lead in possible primary to face Gov. Kathy Hochul: poll". New York Post . Retrieved June 29, 2025.
  60. 1 2 Campanile, Carl (May 21, 2025). "Elise Stefanik in dead heat with Kathy Hochul in potential governor race, as Trump edges Democrat in favorability: poll". New York Post . Retrieved May 21, 2025.
  61. ↑ "Conservative Party chair expects Stefanik to run for NY governor". News 12 - Default. Retrieved October 25, 2025. When [Conservative Party chair Jerry Kassar was] asked about whether Stefanik would earn the nomination of the Conservative Party, he replied, "I think the answer would be yes."
  62. ↑ "New York Libertarian Party Nominates Larry Sharpe for Governor in 2026 |". October 27, 2025. Retrieved November 4, 2025.
  63. ↑ Day, Lucas (October 27, 2025). "Larry Sharpe Nominated as Libertarian Candidate for Governor". Finger Lakes Daily News. Retrieved November 7, 2025.
  64. ↑ Coltin, Jeff; Anuta, Joe; Reisman, Nick; Ngo, Emily (October 14, 2025). "You say you want a revolution". Politico . Retrieved October 15, 2025.
  65. ↑ "2026 CPR Governor Race ratings". Cook Political Report. Retrieved January 23, 2025.
  66. ↑ "Gubernatorial Ratings". Inside Elections . Retrieved February 7, 2025.
  67. ↑ "2026 Governor". Sabato's Crystal Ball. Retrieved May 1, 2025.
  68. ↑ "Governor Forecast - 2026-2026". Race to the WH. Retrieved June 30, 2025.
  69. ↑ "Latest Poling for Governor Races - 2025-2026". Race to the WH. Retrieved November 18, 2025.
  70. 1 2 3 4 "NY Statewide Poll" (PDF). J.L. Partners. November 12, 2025. Retrieved November 12, 2025.
  71. 1 2 Arm, Jesse (October 28, 2025). "Blue City, Purple State? New York Poll Shows Mamdani Ahead, Despite Unpopular Agenda; Stefanik Leads Democrats Statewide". Manhattan Institute . Retrieved October 29, 2025.
  72. 1 2 "Hochul Approval/Favorability Ratings Up a Little; Favorability Best Since Jan. '24; Majority: Hochul Works Hard, Demonstrates Honesty & Integrity; Plurality: Gets Things Done, Provides Decisive Leadership and Cares About People Like You". Siena University Research Institute. September 16, 2025. Retrieved September 16, 2025.
  73. 1 2 Campanile, Carl (June 16, 2025). "Rep. Mike Lawler has better shot at defeating Gov. Kathy Hochul than Elise Stefanik: poll". New York Post . Retrieved June 17, 2025.
  74. ↑ "Siena College Poll Conducted by the Siena College Research Institute" (PDF). Siena College . February 3, 2025. Retrieved February 9, 2025.
  75. ↑ "Siena College Poll Conducted by the Siena College Research Institute" (PDF). Siena College . December 10, 2024. Retrieved December 11, 2024.
  76. ↑ "Slingshot New York State Topline". Politico. May 11, 2024. Retrieved March 20, 2025.
Official campaign websites
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.