Overview
- Hochul leads Stefanik 48% to 43% in a hypothetical 2026 matchup, according to a GrayHouse poll of likely voters conducted after Hochul endorsed Zohran Mamdani.
- In an informed ballot that presented both candidates’ records, the survey found Stefanik narrowly ahead 46.4% to 45.9%.
- The poll reports that 47% of independents would be less likely to back Democrats for governor if Mamdani wins the New York City mayoralty, and 59% of voters say it is time for someone new as governor.
- The survey sampled 1,250 likely 2026 voters from Sept. 20–26 with a 2.6% margin of error and was conducted for Stefanik’s E-PAC by GrayHouse.
- The internal results contrast with a Siena poll from mid-September showing Hochul up by 25 points, and coverage notes Stefanik is positioned as a likely challenger but has not formally entered the race.