ALBANY, N.Y. (1010 WINS) — A poll released hours before former Mayor Bill de Blasio announced his decision not to run for governor found that Gov. Kathy Hochul led him — the then-second-place challenger — by more than 30 points in the state Democratic primary race for governor.
Hochul received 46% support from Democratic voters in Tuesday's Siena College Poll when asked who they would vote for if the election — scheduled for June 22 — were held today.
New York's first female governor was followed by de Blasio with 12% of support, New York City Public Advocate Jumaane Williams with 11% and Rep. Tom Suozzi with 6%.
While de Blasio was still publically flirting with a potential gubernatorial run, Siena College pollster Steven Greenberg said the former mayor's unfavorability, plus James' decision to remain as state attorney general and other factors, helped Hochul's quest to remain in office.
"James is out of the race. Williams and Suozzi are unknown to half of Democrats," he said. "A potential opponent, de Blasio, is viewed unfavorably by more Democrats than view him favorably. With 22 weeks until the primary, it appears Hochul is in the catbird seat to be the Democratic nominee for governor."
In a poll released last month, Hochul garnered 36% of Democratic support, followed by James with 18%.
"De Blasio appears to have picked up some James supporters as well, now at 12%, up from 6% in December," Greenberg added.
Hochul's favorability with New York voters overall stands at 46%, compared to 60% of Democrats.
It's not yet clear how de Blasio's announcement might affect future polling.
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