A Quinnipiac University Poll released on Oct. 18 showed Governor Kathy Hochul’s lead over Congressman Lee Zeldin shrinking to just four points, with Hochul at 50% and Zeldin 46%. The most important piece of the Quinnipiac polls has NY Independents going for Zeldin 57%-37%.
“In the blue state of New York, the race for governor is competitive. Democrats have cruised to victory in gubernatorial races since 2006, but Governor Hochul’s narrow edge puts Republican Lee Zeldin well within striking distance of her,” said Quinnipiac University Polling Analyst Mary Snow.
Asked to choose the most urgent issue facing New York State today, crime (28 percent) ranks first among likely voters followed by inflation (20 percent) and protecting democracy (14 percent). Among independents, crime (31 percent) ranks first followed by inflation (21 percent) and protecting democracy (11 percent).
“Across the board, crime ranks high on the list of pressing issues. Zeldin making crime a major part of his campaign could be where he’s making inroads in this race,”added Snow.
Zeldin has gotten this close to Hochul in polling even with former President Donald Trump massively underwater, with 33% of New Yorkers favorable and 60% unfavorable towards Trump.
Hochul campaign spokesperson Jerrel Harvey stated, “Despite $8 million in outside spending from right-wing groups pushing baseless lies, Governor Hochul maintains a double-digit lead against her opponent. Even in today’s Quinnipiac poll, which substantially undercounted Democrats, Governor Hochul continues to receive support from fifty percent of New Yorkers and we are confident in our ability to turn out voters in every community. With just three weeks until Election Day, the governor isn’t taking anything for granted and will continue to contrast her strong record of results with Lee Zeldin’s MAGA agenda.”
Other takeaways from the poll include:
Zeldin is getting 37% of the vote in New York City, an unusually high number for a republican. 80% of NYC voters are democrats.
Hochul’s favorable is 44% and unfavorable is 45%, while Zeldin has a 43% favorable and 37% unfavorable.
An unusually low number of voters are undecided, with only 4% undecided or not voting for either.
Lee Zeldin said, “We’ve consistently been gaining massive ground on Hochul as New Yorkers witness first hand her abysmal record on the issues more important to them – crime, the economy, corruption and more. Every day, all day, we’ve been ALL IN, all across the state, communicating directly with voters about the issues that matter most to them. The polls have continued to show that our message is resonating, and on Tuesday, November 8th, they’re going to elect a new Governor to Save Our State and restore New York to glory.”
Visit poll.qu.edu or www.facebook.com/quinnipiacpoll to read the poll.
Two other recent polls, one from Sienna college, has Hochul with a 52%-41% lead, and Marist College polling has Hochul’s lead at 8 points.
Election Day is Nov. 8, three weeks away, with early voting to be held from October 29 – November 6.
Hochul has agreed to one debate with Zeldin, on October 25 on Spectrum cable TV. Zeldin has called for five debates. We hope that at least one debate happens.
