Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN) New York Gov. Kathy Hochul and Rep. Lee Zeldin will meet at 7 p.m. ET on Tuesday night for the only scheduled debate between the two candidates.
The one-hour event, which will be held at Pace University in New York City, will air on Spectrum News channels throughout the state.
"People are paying more attention to the elections, especially in the closing days," said Albany insider Jack O'Donnell of O'Donnell and Associates.
"Zeldin was really outspent for the first few months of the race, and he now has some resources to tell people who he is. He has also tapped into some issues that have brought his numbers up and that is going to bring a lot more attention to the conversation tonight," added O'Donnell.
With gas prices up again and a potential recession looming, voters are once again telling pollsters that inflation is the most important issue facing the country, but crime is close behind in New York State.
"We have seen some crime numbers up, even as some of the worst crime numbers are down. And crime fears are very real for voters," said O'Donnell who said Zeldin's crime message is resonating with voters.
"That's a big driver. You can't even talk about any other issues if you don't feel safe, and if you don't feel like your family is safe," he said.
The Governor's race is the marquee race this year. A state senate race is also a big driver. The 61st State senate seat between two incumbents, due to redistricting. Sean Ryan (D) and Ed Rath (R) are facing off in Tonawanda, Amherst and parts of Buffalo.
The two will debate Nov. 2 in the annual political debate held at St. Joseph's Collegiate Institute at 9:30 a.m. ET.
For those wishing to watch the New York gubernatorial debate Tuesday, the debate will be carried statewide on Spectrum News channels, and also available on Spectrum's website, and app with no paywall.
Election day is Tuesday, Nov. 8. Early voting across the state begins Saturday, Oct. 29.
