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Manhattan Institute Poll Shows Stefanik Leading Hochul 43–42 in 2026 NY Governor Test

The conservative think tank’s result departs from earlier double‑digit Hochul leads, prompting scrutiny over its reported sample size.

Overview

  • Fielded Oct. 22–26, the survey finds Stefanik at 43% and Hochul at 42% with the race within a roughly three-point margin of error.
  • Reports conflict on the poll’s size, with The Hill citing 300 likely voters and the New York Post describing 600, fueling questions about reliability.
  • The reported crosstabs show Stefanik ahead among independents (46%–33%) and on Long Island (54%–37%), while Hochul leads in the Hudson Valley (45%–36%).
  • Stefanik’s campaign hailed the finding as evidence voters want new leadership, as Hochul’s team dismissed it as an untrustworthy product of a right-leaning outfit.
  • The result contrasts with Siena polling from late summer that showed Hochul ahead by double digits, as Stefanik has signaled a formal announcement after the Nov. 4 election.