Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN) - Labor Day has passed, and that means we're in the home stretch to midterms, and New York's gubernatorial election.
With 55 days until the election and with recent polling showing Republican Bruce Blakeman gaining ground on Gov. Kathy Hochul, Republican political strategist Carl Calabrese says both candidates have work to do.
"Hochul's numbers, her favorable and job approval numbers, are under 50%, that's always a red flag for an incumbent," said Calabrese on WBEN.
In addition, he says her disapproval is over 50% with some key voting groups: Unions, Independents, Catholics, as well as Upstate and New York City suburbs.
What is Blakeman's biggest problem, though?
"40% of the state doesn't know him. It used to be 60%, so he is making progress," Calabrese noted.
In the key city of New York, Blakeman only has 19% support.
"If Blakeman is going to have any chance of winning this statewide race, he has to be up around 32% or 33% in New York City. That's the figure to watch, in terms of determining how competitive he can be" Calabrese said.
Election Day is Nov. 3.
"Hochul's numbers, her favorable and job approval numbers are under 50%, that's always a red flag for an incumbent" - Carl Calabrese
"Hochul's numbers, her favorable and job approval numbers are under 50%, that's always a red flag for an incumbent" - Carl Calabrese
