Hochul Leads 2026 Primary Amid Reelection Challenges

Governor Kathy Hochul holds a significant lead in a hypothetical 2026 Democratic primary, according to a Siena College poll, garnering 46% support among Democrats compared to 11% for Lt. Gov. Antonio Delgado and 10% for Rep. Ritchie Torres. Despite her strong position in the primary, Hochul faces challenges with her overall favorability rating, which is between 40-50%, and a job approval rating of 46-48%. The poll indicates that only 34% of voters would re-elect Hochul, with 56% preferring 'someone else,' and highlights her struggle with issues such as affordability, where she has a 52% disapproval rate. Both potential challengers, Delgado and Torres, remain relatively unknown among voters, limiting their immediate impact. The poll also touches on President Donald Trump's declining approval rating in New York, now at 42%, with specifics on his policies receiving mixed reviews. This poll is the first to assess a potential 2026 gubernatorial primary, noting a lack of statewide recognition for both Democratic and Republican candidates.