ICYMI: Democrats Could Lose New York in 2026, Thanks to Kathy Hochul

One year from now, New York Gov. Kathy Hochul (D) is likely to be entering the final stretch of a hotly contested Democratic primary. If recent polling and political developments are any indication, she won’t be doing so from a position of strength.

Despite the built-in advantages of incumbency and her party’s sizable enrollment edge, Hochul appears to be one of the most politically vulnerable governors in the country.

The fundamentals should favor her. New York is, by any measure, a Democratic state — no Republican has won statewide since George Pataki won his third term as governor in 2002. But the data tell another story. A recent Siena College poll shows that a majority of New Yorkers would prefer someone else in the governor’s office.

Among independents, Hochul’s favorability remains underwater. Even among Democrats, her standing is underwhelming. Lt. Gov. Antonio Delgado, who recently announced he would challenge Hochul in 2026, and Rep. Ritchie Torres (D), another potential 2026 contender, already post stronger favorable-to-unfavorable numbers than the incumbent. In a three-way primary with Delgado and Torres, the Siena poll suggests that although Hochul leads her rivals, she would fall short of 50 percent.

This is not the profile of a governor cruising toward an easy reelection.

Keep reading at TheHill.com