This browser does not support the Video element.
Midterm polls predict ‘blue surge’: Top pollster breaks down 2026 key races
Are Democrats in for a "blue surge" coming out of the 2026 midterm election? Rutgers-Eagleton pollster Ashley Koning joins Newsroom Live to break down the latest polling data, key battleground races, and the top issues driving voters this Election Day.
NEW YORK - Election Day 2026 is here as New Yorkers decide whether to give Gov. Kathy Hochul another four years in office or replace her with Republican challenger Bruce Blakeman.
Hochul has a significant edge over Blakeman leading up to the vote, according to three major polls.
FOX 5 NY is your home on Election Night. Bookmark our Election Results page to track in real-time, and tune into our Election Night coverage live right here on fox5ny.com and FOX LOCAL New York as the night unfolds. Coverage begins at 4 p.m.
Election Day 2026: What to know in New York and New Jersey
Voters in New York and New Jersey head to the polls Tuesday, Nov. 3, to decide New York's next governor, a U.S. Senate seat in New Jersey and a closely watched House race in northern New Jersey.
Polls give edge to Hochul
By the numbers:
Siena poll
An Oct. 28 Siena poll of likely voters gave the governor a 14-point lead over her opponent. It found 54% supported Hochul, a slight boost from 50% in a September poll. Blakeman carried 40% of likely voters in the October poll.
The poll also found a majority of voters viewed Hochul favorably.
This browser does not support the Video element.
New polls show Hochul with lead over GOP nominee Blakeman
Two new polls released earlier today show that Gov. Kathy Hochul appears to have a strong lead over Republican nominee Bruce Blakeman. FOX 5 NY's political reporter Morgan McKay breaks it down.
It was based on a survey of 807 likely New York voters from Oct. 19 to 22, according to Siena.
Marist poll
A Marist poll also released on Oct. 28 showed Hochul ahead of Blakeman by 11 points among likely voters statewide. In the poll, 53% supported Hochul, 42% supported Blakeman, and 4% were undecided.
However, on top of the head-to-head race, the poll found both candidates have low favorability ratings. Just 41% said they viewed Hochul favorably and 36% said the same about Blakeman.
Where to track results, watch live news coverage on Election Night
If you're making Election Night plans, we have resources for you to track election results in real time, get breaking news alerts and watch live local coverage from NY, NJ and CT.
It noted nearly one in five Democrats had an unfavorable opinion of Hochul, while nearly the same amount either didn't know who Blakeman was or didn't know how to feel about him.
The poll was based on a survey of 1,448 registered New York voters from Oct. 22–25, according to Marist.
Quinnipiac poll
A Quinnipiac poll released on Oct. 21 also showed Hochul leading Blakeman by 14 points, but it suggested the race might be tightening after Hochul led by 19 in a September poll.
This browser does not support the Video element.
Midterm elections: Political analyst breaks down key races to watch
With voters heading to the polls this Tuesday, Rider University political professor Micah Rasmussen joins FOX 5 NY's Sharon Crowley to analyze the critical midterm matchups. Rasmussen shares insights on the New York governor's race, early voting and more.
Cost of living, the economy and immigration topped the list of most important issues in the race, according to the poll.
Hochul had support from more than 70% of likely voters prioritizing cost of living and the economy.
More than 70% of those focused on immigration said they preferred Blakeman.
The Source: This article was written with information from polls conducted by Siena University, Marist University and Quinnipiac University on the 2026 New York governor's race.