Governor Kathy Hochul holds a significant lead in the upcoming 2026 Democratic primary for governor of New York, according to a recent poll by Data For Progress. The poll, conducted from March 26 to 31, shows Hochul with 51% support among likely Democratic primary voters. Her potential challengers, Lieutenant Governor Antonio Delgado and Congressman Ritchie Torres, each received 11% support, while about 26% of voters remain undecided. The primary is scheduled for June 2026, and neither Delgado nor Torres has officially announced a campaign for governor.
The poll highlights a gap in name recognition, with only 4% of voters unfamiliar with Hochul, compared to 63% for Delgado and 52% for Torres. Hochul’s favorability rating among Democratic primary voters is +33. Data For Progress notes that while Hochul has a strong lead, only 31% of her supporters are firmly committed, with 20% leaning towards her.
A Siena College poll conducted in early March also shows Hochul leading with 46% support. The poll indicates that Hochul’s job approval ratings are positive on issues like protecting constitutional rights and healthcare but negative on making New York more affordable…