POLITICS

Hochul Leads Poll; Stefanik Suspends Campaign

PUBLISHED Dec 16, 2025, 7:19 AM ET

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Media Bias Meter

Sources: 10

Center 100%

Sources: 10

Albany, A Siena College poll this week shows Gov. Kathy Hochul leading GOP contenders by double digits, while Republican Rep. Elise Stefanik suspended her gubernatorial campaign Friday and announced she will not seek reelection to Congress, clearing a path for Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman. The poll showed Hochul ahead of Stefanik by 19 points and ahead of Blakeman by 25 points, with roughly one in five voters undecided. State Republican Chairman Ed Cox endorsed Blakeman after Stefanik's exit. Parties and voters now reposition ahead of primaries scheduled six months from now. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.

By James Porter | JQJO News

Timeline of Events

November: Rep. Elise Stefanik entered the New York gubernatorial race.
Weeks later: President Trump’s endorsements in related contests influenced GOP positioning.
Mid-December: Bruce Blakeman announced his run and planned late-December ad buys.
This week: Siena College released polling showing Hochul with 19–25 point leads.
Friday: Stefanik suspended her campaign and will not seek reelection; GOP chair endorsed Blakeman.

Media Bias

Articles Published:: 10
Right Leaning:: 0
Left Leaning:: 0
Neutral:: 10

Who Benefited

Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman benefited from Rep. Elise Stefanik’s withdrawal, receiving party endorsement and effectively clearing a major path to the Republican nomination to challenge Gov. Kathy Hochul.

Who Impacted

Rep. Elise Stefanik and her congressional reelection prospects and staff suffered disruption after she suspended her gubernatorial campaign and announced she will not seek reelection to Congress.

Media Bias

Articles Published:: 10
Right Leaning:: 0
Left Leaning:: 0
Neutral:: 10
Distribution:: Left 0%, Center 100%, Right 0%

Who Benefited

Who Impacted

Rep. Elise Stefanik and her congressional reelection prospects and staff suffered disruption after she suspended her gubernatorial campaign and announced she will not seek reelection to Congress.