2026 New York gubernatorial election
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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 53.2% of the vote in the closest New York gubernatorial election since 1994. Hochul announced her intention to run for re-election in July 2024.
Democratic primary
[edit]Background
[edit]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
[edit]Candidates
[edit]Declared
[edit]- Antonio Delgado, Lieutenant Governor of New York (2022–present)[2]
- Kathy Hochul, incumbent Governor (2021–present)[3]
Declined
[edit]- Letitia James, Attorney General of New York (2019–present) (running for re-election)[4]
- Tom Suozzi, U.S. representative from New York's 3rd congressional district (2017–2023, 2024–present) and candidate for governor in 2006 and 2022[5] (endorsed Hochul)[6]
- Ritchie Torres, U.S. representative from New York's 15th congressional district (2021–present)[7]
Endorsements
[edit]Political parties
U.S. representatives
- Gregory Meeks, U.S. representative from NY-5 (1998–present) and chair of the Queens Democratic Party (2019-present)[9]
- Hakeem Jeffries, House Minority Leader (2023–present) and U.S. Representative from NY-08 (2013–present)[6]
- Pat Ryan, U.S. representative from NY-18 (2022–present)[10]
- Tom Suozzi, U.S. representative from NY-03 (2017–2023; 2024–present)[6]
State legislators
- Jamaal Bailey, state senator from the 36th district (2017–present) and chair of the Bronx Democratic Party (2020-present)[9]
- Carl Heastie, Speaker of the New York State Assembly (2015–present) from the 81st district (2001–present)[6]
Organizations
Polling
[edit]| Poll source | Date(s) administered |
Sample size[a] |
Margin of error |
Kathy Hochul |
Antonio Delgado |
Ritchie Torres |
Other | Undecided |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Siena College[12] | June 23–26, 2025 | 800 (RV) | ± 4.4% | 49% | 12% | 10% | 4% | 26% |
| Siena College[13] | May 12–15, 2025 | 805 (RV) | ± 4.3% | 46% | 12% | 10% | 4%[b] | 28% |
| GrayHouse (R)[14] | April 22–24, 2025 | 262 (RV) | – | 24% | 6% | 7% | 8%[c] | 55% |
| Siena College[15] | April 14–16, 2025 | 802 (RV) | ± 4.4% | 44% | 12% | 9% | 5%[d] | 30% |
| Data for Progress (D)[16] | March 26–31, 2025 | 767 (LV) | ± 4.0% | 51% | 11% | 11% | – | 27% |
| Siena College[17] | March 2–6, 2025 | 400 (RV) | – | 46% | 11% | 10% | 4%[b] | 28% |
| Citizen Data[18][A] | February 10, 2025 | – (RV) | ± 4.4% | 52% | 15% | 12% | – | 21% |
Lieutenant governor
[edit]Candidates
[edit]Potential
[edit]- Brian Benjamin, former lieutenant governor (2021–2022)[19]
- Jeremy Cooney, state senator from the 56th district (2021–present)[19]
- Brian Cunningham, state assemblymember from the 43rd district (2022–present)[19]
- Nathalia Fernandez, state senator from the 34th district (2023–present) and candidate for Bronx Borough President in 2021[20]
- Grace Lee, state assemblymember from the 65th district (2023–present)[19]
- Donovan Richards, Queens Borough President (2020–present)[19]
- Robert Rodriguez, president of the New York State Dormitory Authority (2024–present), former New York Secretary of State (2021–2024), and former state assemblymember from the 68th district (2011–2021)[19]
- Kathy Sheehan, mayor of Albany (2014–present)[19]
- James Skoufis, state senator from the 42nd district (2019–present) and candidate for Democratic National Committee chair in 2025[19]
- Mike Spano, mayor of Yonkers (2012–present)[21]
Declined
[edit]- Antonio Delgado, incumbent lieutenant governor (2022–present)[22] (running for governor)[2]
Republican primary
[edit]U.S. Representative Elise Stefanik has indicated that she intends to run for governor in 2026; however, she has not formally announced her candidacy.[23] A July 2025 Siena poll shows Stefanik leading two other potential Republican gubernatorial candidates, U.S. Rep. Mike Lawler and Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman.[24] 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".[25]
On July 23rd, 2025, Mike Lawler officially declared they he will sit out of the governors election and instead run for reelection in his House of Representatives seat. In an interview with Fox and Friends Lawler said, “There is no doubt that Hochul is the worst governor in America. But after months of deliberating over this and really working through it, I've decided the right thing to do for me and my family and my district is to run for reelection.” [26]
Candidates
[edit]Declared
[edit]Publicly expressed interest
[edit]- Bruce Blakeman, Nassau County Executive (2022–present)[28]
- John Catsimatidis, CEO of Gristedes and D'Agostino Supermarkets and candidate for Mayor of New York City in 2013[29]
- Betsy McCaughey, former Lieutenant Governor of New York (1995–1998) and Liberal nominee for governor in 1998[30]
- Elise Stefanik, U.S. Representative from New York's 21st congressional district (2015–present) (decision expected after the November 2025 elections)[31]
Declined
[edit]- Mike Lawler, U.S. Representative from New York's 17th congressional district (2023–present) (running for re-election)[32]
Polling
[edit]| Poll source | Date(s) administered |
Sample size[a] |
Margin of error |
Bruce Blakeman |
Mike Lawler |
Elise Stefanik |
Other | Undecided |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Siena College[12] | June 23-26, 2025 | 800 (RV) | ± 4.4% | 7% | 18% | 35% | 1% | 39% |
| co/efficient (R)[33] | June 18-20, 2025 | 1108 (LV) | ± 3.8% | 6% | 8% | 64% | – | 22% |
| Siena College[13] | May 12–15, 2025 | 805 (RV) | ± 4.3% | 11% | 22% | 35% | 2%[e] | 30% |
| co/efficient (R)[34] | May 1–2, 2025 | 1163 (LV) | ± 3.3% | 8% | 9% | 56% | – | 27% |
| GrayHouse (R)[14] | April 22–24, 2025 | 400 (RV) | ± 5.0% | 5% | 7% | 44% | – | 44% |
| Siena College[15] | April 14–16, 2025 | 802 (RV) | ± 4.4% | 28% | 22% | – | 4%[b] | 46% |
| Siena College[17] | March 2–6, 2025 | 400 (RV) | – | 13% | 25% | – | 3%[f] | 60% |
Independent and third-party candidates
[edit]Candidates
[edit]Publicly expressed interest
[edit]- Larry Sharpe (Libertarian), business training company founder and perennial candidate[35]
General election
[edit]Kathy Hochul is widely viewed as the frontrunner for the Democratic nomination for governor. However, with her approval ratings stagnating around 40% and a surprising rise in support for Trump in the 2024 presidential election, this gubernatorial race could become highly competitive, potentially turning New York into a battleground state this cycle.
Hochul campaign
[edit]Hochul has remained very optimistic in her ability to win reelection, banking her campaign on hopes that many New Yorkers will feel pain from Trump’s cuts to the federal workforce and tariffs, saying, “Families—instead of the promise that they were told during the election that their prices will go down on Inauguration Day—they're going to see a major spike in everything because of these tariffs that are affecting our relationship with Canada, which has been a strong trading partner, as well as the cost of everything that they purchase." Hochul has also touted her efforts to make New York more affordable, including a $7 billion increase over four years to cover the costs of childcare for working parents. Hochul has also boasted of plans to give out inflation refund checks, up to $500 per household, income tax cuts for New Yorkers, higher child tax credits for parents, and free school meals for every student. She argues it will save $5,000 in payments and savings for families.[36]
Predictions
[edit]| Source | Ranking | As of |
|---|---|---|
| The Cook Political Report[37] | Likely D | January 23, 2025 |
| Inside Elections[38] | Battleground | February 6, 2025 |
| Sabato's Crystal Ball[39] | Likely D | May 1, 2025 |
| Race to the WH[40] | Likely D | June 30, 2025 |
Polling
[edit]Kathy Hochul vs. Bruce Blakeman
| Poll source | Date(s) administered |
Sample size[a] |
Margin of error |
Kathy Hochul (D) |
Bruce Blakeman (R) |
Other | Undecided |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Siena College[12] | June 23–26, 2025 | 800 (RV) | ± 4.4% | 44% | 19% | – | 37% |
| GrayHouse (R)[14] | April 22–24, 2025 | 600 (RV) | ± 4.0% | 44% | 36% | – | 20% |
Kathy Hochul vs. Elise Stefanik
| Poll source | Date(s) administered |
Sample size[a] |
Margin of error |
Kathy Hochul (D) |
Elise Stefanik (R) |
Other | Undecided |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Siena College[12] | June 23–26, 2025 | 800 (RV) | ± 4.4% | 47% | 24% | – | 29% |
| Harper Polling (R)[41][B] | May 7–9, 2025 | 600 (LV) | ± 4.0% | 50% | 39% | – | 11% |
| co/efficient (R)[34] | May 1–2, 2025 | 1,163 (LV) | ± 3.3% | 43% | 42% | – | 15% |
| GrayHouse (R)[14] | April 22–24, 2025 | 600 (RV) | ± 4.0% | 46% | 40% | – | 14% |
Kathy Hochul vs. Mike Lawler
| Poll source | Date(s) administered |
Sample size[a] |
Margin of error |
Kathy Hochul (D) |
Mike Lawler (R) |
Other | Undecided |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Siena College[12] | June 23–26, 2025 | 800 (RV) | ± 4.4% | 44% | 24% | – | 32% |
| Harper Polling (R)[41][B] | May 7–9, 2025 | 600 (LV) | ± 4.0% | 48% | 41% | – | 11% |
| GrayHouse (R)[14] | April 22–24, 2025 | 600 (RV) | ± 4.0% | 45% | 38% | – | 17% |
| Citizen Data[18][A] | February 10, 2025 | 1,000 (RV) | ± 3.1% | 46% | 38% | 10% | 6%[g] |
Kathy Hochul vs. different candidate
| Poll source | Date(s) administered |
Sample size[a] |
Margin of error |
Kathy Hochul (D) |
Different Candidate |
Undecided |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Siena College[12] | June 23–26, 2025 | 800 (RV) | ± 4.4% | 37% | 55% | 8% |
| Siena College[13] | May 12–15, 2025 | 805 (RV) | ± 4.3% | 36% | 55% | 9% |
| GrayHouse (R)[14] | April 22–24, 2025 | 600 (RV) | ± 4.0% | 27% | 61% | 12% |
| Siena College[15] | April 14–16, 2025 | 802 (RV) | ± 4.4% | 39% | 48% | 13% |
| Siena College[17] | March 2–6, 2025 | 806 (RV) | ± 4.3% | 34% | 56% | 10% |
| Siena College[42] | January 27–30, 2025 | 803 (RV) | ± 4.2% | 31% | 57% | 12% |
| Siena College[43] | December 2–5, 2024 | 1,059 (RV) | ± 4.1% | 33% | 57% | 11% |
| Slingshot Strategies (D)[44] | May 2–3, 2024 | 1,059 (RV) | ± 5.0% | 34% | 44% | 21% |
See also
[edit]- 2026 United States gubernatorial elections
- 2022 New York gubernatorial election
- 2024 United States presidential election in New York
Notes
[edit]Partisan clients
References
[edit]- ^ Reisman, Nick (September 5, 2024). "Hochul's headwinds become tougher with indictment of alleged foreign agent". Politico.
- ^ a b c 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.
- ^ 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.
- ^ 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
- ^ 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.
- ^ a b c d Reisman, Nick (June 3, 2025). "Cuomo's national strategy". Politico.
- ^ Jefferson, Austin (July 2, 2025). "Ritchie Torres will not run for governor". City & State.
- ^ Veronica, Nick (July 10, 2025). "Erie County Dems give Gov. Hochul unanimous endorsement for reelection". WIVB-TV. Retrieved July 12, 2025.
- ^ a b Rebecca, Lewis; Jefferson, Austin (June 6, 2025). "County Democratic Party chairs go in for Hochul". City and State. Retrieved June 6, 2025.
- ^ a b Jefferson, Austin; Lewis, Rebecca (June 2, 2025). "Lt. Gov. Antonio Delgado launches campaign for governor". City and State. Retrieved June 2, 2025.
- ^ "EMILYs List Endorses New York Gov. Kathy Hochul for Reelection". EMILYs List. Retrieved June 13, 2025.
- ^ a b c d e f "Siena College Poll Conducted by the Siena College Research Institute" (PDF). Siena College Research Institute. July 1, 2025. Retrieved July 1, 2025.
- ^ a b c "Siena College Poll Conducted by the Siena College Research Institute" (PDF). Siena College Research Institute. May 20, 2025. Retrieved May 20, 2025.
- ^ a b c d e f "New York Poll Results - GrayHouse". Politico. April 28, 2025. Retrieved April 28, 2025.
- ^ a b c "Siena College Poll Conducted by the Siena College Research Institute" (PDF). Siena College Research Institute. April 22, 2025. Retrieved April 24, 2025.
- ^ "Incumbent Hochul Has Large Lead in 2026 New York Gubernatorial Race". Data for Progress. April 7, 2025. Retrieved April 7, 2025.
- ^ a b c "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.
- ^ a b "Unite NY Poll: Hochul Leads Lawler by Single Digits". The Daily Post. February 25, 2025. Retrieved March 20, 2025.
- ^ a b c d e f g h Lewis, Rebecca (February 25, 2025). "Who could be Hochul's next LG?". City & State. Retrieved February 26, 2025.
- ^ Lewis, Rebecca; Jefferson, Austin (June 16, 2025). "The way-too-early 2026 gubernatorial election preview". City & State. Retrieved June 16, 2025.
- ^ Coltin, Jeff; Reisman, Nick; Ngo, Emily (April 10, 2025). "Time of the Signs". Politico. Retrieved April 10, 2025.
- ^ 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.
- ^ Mirand, Kristen (June 30, 2025). "'Not a question of if...a question of when': Rep. Elise Stefanik signals 2026 gubernatorial bid to 'save NYS'". WKBW 7 News Buffalo.
- ^ Parsnow, Luke. "Poll: Stefanik leads potential GOP field for N.Y. governor; Hochul leads all 3". spectrumlocalnews.com.
- ^ Kramer, Marcia (May 7, 2025). "Ahead of N.Y. governor's race, President Trump's endorsements send "loud message"". www.cbsnews.com.
- ^ 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.
- ^ Quinn, Brian (February 14, 2025). "Bethany town supervisor planning gubernatorial run". The Daily News. Retrieved February 14, 2025.
- ^ Reisman, Nick; Ngo, Emily; Coltin, Jeff (January 24, 2025). "Kathy versus crime". Politico. Retrieved January 27, 2025.
- ^ "Catsimatidis Not Running for NYC Mayor, but May Consider Run for Governor". The National Herald. March 7, 2025. Retrieved April 23, 2025.
- ^ @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.
- ^ Ormsbee, Molly (July 23, 2025). "Stefanik to announce election plans after November". WPTZ. Retrieved July 23, 2025.
- ^ 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.
- ^ 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.
- ^ a b 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.
- ^ "Libertarian Larry Sharpe considers Another Run for NY Governor & Why Andrew Cuomo Will Be Next Mayor of NYC". Talk Of the Town (Podcast). WUTQ-FM. April 25, 2025. Retrieved July 2, 2025.
- ^ "The Ithaca Journal Subscription Offers, Specials, and Discounts". subscribe.ithacajournal.com. Retrieved July 30, 2025.
- ^ "2026 CPR Governor Race ratings". Cook Political Report. Retrieved January 23, 2025.
- ^ "Gubernatorial Ratings". Inside Elections. Retrieved February 7, 2025.
- ^ "2026 Governor". Sabato's Crystal Ball. Retrieved May 1, 2025.
- ^ "Governor Forecast - 2026-2026". Race to the WH. Retrieved June 30, 2025.
- ^ a b 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.
- ^ "Siena College Poll Conducted by the Siena College Research Institute" (PDF). Siena College. February 3, 2025. Retrieved February 9, 2025.
- ^ "Siena College Poll Conducted by the Siena College Research Institute" (PDF). Siena College. December 10, 2024. Retrieved December 11, 2024.
- ^ "Slingshot New York State Topline". Politico. May 11, 2024. Retrieved March 20, 2025.
External links
[edit]- Official campaign websites