New York Governor Race Results 2026: Who is winning Kathy Hochul vs Bruce Blakeman? Latest updates as votes are counted

The race for New York governor has drawn huge attention as Democratic incumbent Kathy Hochul faces tough fight from Republican challenger Bruce Blakeman in the 2026 US midterm elections. Voters are deciding whether Hochul will secure another term or Blakeman will become the state's next governor. Kathy Hochul, a Democrat, has served as governor since August 2021, when she took office after then-Gov. Andrew Cuomo resigned. She was elected to a full term in 2022 and is seeking a second four-year term.

Blakeman has led Nassau County since 2021. He previously served as a commissioner of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey and as a Nassau County legislator.

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Who is leading in the New York governor race?

Pre-election polls gave Kathy Hochul a clear lead over Blakeman. All the most recent surveys showed her ahead by double digits. However, the final outcome will depend on the votes cast on Election Day.

As of the latest available results, vote counting has not begun, with zero per cent of election districts reporting. Therefore, neither candidate can yet be declared the winner. Blakeman, the Nassau County executive, has focused his campaign on affordability, high taxes, utility bills and immigration. Hochul, meanwhile, has highlighted economic relief measures and blamed rising costs partly on President Donald Trump's policies.

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A Siena University poll released Oct. 28 found Hochul leading Blakeman by 14 percentage points among likely voters. Hochul had 54% support, compared with 40% for Blakeman, as per Democrat and Chronicle.

“Heading into the final stretch, Hochul has a 14-point lead, with Blakeman quickly running out of time to close a gap that is growing rather than narrowing,” Siena pollster Steven Greenberg said in a written statement.

Greenberg said Republicans have a tough chance of winning a statewide election in New York. He said they need strong support from voters in upstate New York and the downstate suburbs to overcome the Democrats' advantage in voter registration.

How to check New York governor race results

While the New York State Board of Elections does not post running results on election night, unofficial results should be posted by each county after the polls close. Once certified, election results will be posted on the state Board of Elections results page.