Hochul leading field of potential Democratic challengers in New York: Survey

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul (D) is leading in a field of potential Democratic challengers for the state’s gubernatorial race, according to a survey released Monday.

The Siena College Research Institute poll found in a hypothetical 2026 Democratic primary that Hochul leads with 46 percent support among her party.

She’s ahead of Lt. Gov. Antonio Delgado (D), who earned 11 percent support, and Rep. Ritchie Torres (D), who earned 10 percent.

Hochul’s favorability and job approval remain largely unchanged from last month’s survey, which put her just below 50 percent on each side.

She has a positive approval rating for protecting constitutional rights, ensuring access to quality and affordable health care, and making the state safer, the survey said.

While Hochul is ahead of her potential Democratic contenders, New Yorkers tend to say they want someone new leading the state. Currently, 34 percent of surveyed voters say they would reelect her, while 56 percent say they would choose “someone else.”

Hochul's reelection bid comes as she ratchets up battles with President Trump.

Hochul initially said she planned to work with Trump after his election victory, but she has since taken a more combative stance, particularly over his immigration policies.

She ascended to leadership in 2021 after succeeding former Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) when he resigned, having been the lieutenant governor. Hochul later won her 2022 reelection race.

Torres has not officially announced a run for governor, but he has been critical of Hochul.

“Kathy Hochul is the new Joe Biden. She may be in denial about the depth of her vulnerabilities as a Democratic nominee,” Torres said on the social platform X in November.

“Waiting until it’s too late gave us a Republican President in 2024 and could give us a Republican Governor in 2026. Let’s avoid repeating history and avoid sleepwalking toward impending disaster and defeat," he wrote.

The Republican field remains wide open with primaries more than a year away. Rep. Mike Lawler (R-N.Y.) has expressed interest in the role of governor.

The Siena College survey was conducted March 2-6 among 806 New York state voters and has a margin of error of 4.3 percentage points.