Gov. Kathy Hochul pushed back Monday against criticism from Republican gubernatorial challenger Bruce Blakeman during appearances on Long Island, as a new poll suggests the race for New York governor may be tightening.

Speaking in Nassau and Suffolk counties while announcing a new $100 million law enforcement technology grant program, Hochul dismissed a Blakeman campaign mailer that blamed her and New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani for high taxes, rising utility bills, and increasing crime.

“That’s interesting — because it’s not based on fact,” Hochul said.

Instead, Hochul blamed Republicans in Washington, including President Donald Trump, for rising costs, citing tariffs, the conflict with Iran, and what she described as politically motivated efforts to withhold federal disaster aid following February’s blizzards.

A new poll conducted by co/efficient for the Coalition to Protect Nassau Taxpayers found Hochul leading Blakeman by just six percentage points, 47% to 41%, with 12% of voters undecided.

The polling firm accurately projected the close 2022 gubernatorial race between Hochul and former Rep. Lee Zeldin, when other public polls showed Hochul with a much larger advantage.

The latest survey also found that 55% of likely voters are concerned about socialism, compared with 45% who said they are not.

Responding to those concerns, Hochul said, “We are not becoming a socialist state because of an election of a number of individuals in New York City.”

While other recent public polls have shown Hochul with significantly larger leads, the new survey suggests the race could become increasingly competitive as the campaign intensifies.

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)