Less than a week remains before New Yorkers head to the polls, and both major parties are making a final push in the Capital Region. Gov. Kathy Hochul addressed a crowd of Capital Region Democrats on Wednesday night in Albany, while Republican gubernatorial hopeful Bruce Blakeman held a rally in Elmira the same evening.
Hochul’s Albany rally draws Democratic leaders
The governor’s event featured U.S. Rep. Paul Tonko, Albany County Executive Dan McCoy and Albany Mayor Dorcey Applyrs, all voicing strong support for Hochul’s re‑election bid. “I am grateful for the support we’ve already received and for the surge in early voting – it’s about 100 % greater than four years ago,” Hochul told the audience. She added that the energy in the state is high and that every vote matters.
County Executive McCoy predicted a robust Democratic turnout, saying, “It’s going to be a blue wave. We want to send a loud message across New York and the country that our values are heard.”
Polls confirm a sizable lead for the incumbent
Two recent surveys cited at the rallies underscore Hochul’s advantage. A Siena poll shows her at 54 % versus Blakeman’s 40 %, a 14‑point margin. A Marist poll puts her at 53 % to 42 % for the Republican, an 11‑point gap. Both polls indicate a double‑digit lead that has held steady over the past few weeks.
Blakeman’s Elmira rally focuses on jobs and taxes
In Elmira, Blakeman urged voters to turn out, framing the race as a turning point for the state’s economy. “We can turn this state around, but we need everybody to vote,” he said. “This is a tipping‑point election. We can choose a disaster or a future of good‑paying jobs, lower taxes and prosperity for our kids.”
Blakeman also addressed questions about President Donald Trump’s role in the New York race. “What’s wrong with having the ability to pick up the phone and call the president and he answers your calls? I don’t think that’s a bad thing,” he told CBS6’s Tom Eschen. He emphasized his independence, stating, “I’m an independent guy. I do what’s best for my county and, when I become governor, I’ll do what’s best for the people of New York State. I’m not controlled by anybody.”
Hochul pushes back on the Trump connection
After Blakeman’s remarks, Hochul criticized his reliance on Trump, saying, “He leaned into it again today, trying to wrap himself in the shroud of Donald Trump. That’s who he is, but I don’t think it’s a winning strategy.” While the governor’s critique reflects a partisan view, the Trump administration has repeatedly emphasized the importance of local leaders engaging directly with the President to address community concerns, a practice that aligns with the administration’s commitment to responsive governance.
Both campaigns are urging voters to head to the polls early and on Election Day, emphasizing the stakes for New Yorkers’ families, faith communities and economic future.
Original reporting: CBS 6 WRGB Albany (local) — read the source article.
