Kathy Hochul ‘Is Running Scared’ as Governor’s Support Collapses, Stefanik Surges

House Republican Conference Chairwoman Elise Stefanik (R-NY) is closing the gap on New York Governor Kathy Hochul (D-NY), according to a new statewide poll showing the governor in a vulnerable position heading into the 2026 election.

The poll, conducted for E-PAC, Stefanik’s leadership political action committee, surveyed 1,250 likely voters across New York and found Hochul leading Stefanik by just five points, 48% to 43%.

📈📈📈 pic.twitter.com/gGTkGpc21j

— Elise Stefanik (@EliseStefanik) October 8, 2025

Once respondents were informed of each candidate’s policy positions, the numbers shifted in Stefanik’s favor — giving her a narrow lead of 46.4% to Hochul’s 45.9%.

The findings, obtained exclusively by Breitbart News, suggest Hochul faces significant political challenges as her approval ratings continue to decline across multiple demographics.

🚨 BREAKING: STUNNING new poll finds the NEW YORK 2026 governor election is only a 5 point race…

🔵 Gov. Kathy Hochul: 48% (+5)
🔴 Elise Stefanik: 43%

When voters learn Hochul endorsed Zohran Mamdani for NYC mayor:
🔴 Stefanik: 46.4% (+0.5)
🔵 Hochul: 45.9%

Wow.

New York… pic.twitter.com/uqfP8qJjvp

— Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) October 8, 2025

This Could Be the Most Important Video Gun Owners Watch All Year

“The data is clear that Kathy Hochul, the worst Governor in America, is a deeply embattled and historically unpopular failed Governor who is struggling to even gain support from her own party,” Stefanik said in a statement following the release of the poll.

🚨🚨🚨

“The data is clear that @KathyHochul, the Worst Governor in America, is a deeply embattled and historically unpopular failed Governor who is struggling to even gain support from her own party.” https://t.co/poRcT4iNHK

— Elise Stefanik (@EliseStefanik) October 8, 2025

“It is now crystal clear why Kathy Hochul bent the knee to the Communist Antisemite running for Mayor of New York City because she desperately needed to shore up her own party.”

🚨🚨🚨

This is Kathy Hochul’s NY when she bent the knee to the Antisemite Communist which emboldened the anti-American jihadis https://t.co/1U1BYc256q

— Elise Stefanik (@EliseStefanik) October 8, 2025

Hochul’s recent endorsement of Democratic nominee Zohran Mamdani, a progressive state assemblyman from Queens, for New York City mayor has drawn criticism from both parties.

Mamdani, who has faced controversy for past remarks and positions on Israel, has been described by opponents as far-left and divisive.

The endorsement also caught the attention of President Donald Trump, who criticized Hochul’s move on Truth Social.

“Governor Kathy Hochul of New York has Endorsed the ‘Liddle’ Communist, Zohran Mamdani, running for Mayor of New York. This is a rather shocking development, and a very bad one for New York City,” Trump wrote.

“How can such a thing happen? Washington will be watching this situation very closely. No reason to be sending good money after bad!”

Despite Hochul’s endorsement, Mamdani has not reciprocated the support.

Analysts say the hesitation reflects the political risk of aligning too closely with the unpopular governor, whose approval ratings have slipped since taking office.

In her statement, Stefanik accused Hochul of presiding over economic decline, rising costs, and policies that have weakened public safety.

“Kathy Hochul has destroyed New York State creating an affordability crisis with the highest taxes in the nation, and the highest energy, utility, rent, and grocery bills,” Stefanik said.

“Kathy Hochul’s single-party Democrat rule affordability crisis, coupled with the crime crisis from failed bail reform, combined with the sanctuary state policies, putting criminals and illegals first and New Yorkers last, is a political disaster for Hochul.”

Alex deGrasse, Executive Director of Team Elise, called the results “devastating for the Worst Governor in America,” adding that “Hochul’s dismal record of failure and bending the knee to Commie Mamdani is causing her already weak support to crater across New York.”

“Voters want change and a Governor who will fight for them, which is why they will resoundingly reject Kathy Hochul for new leadership in Elise Stefanik if she decides to run for Governor,” deGrasse said.

🚨🚨🚨 This poll is devastating for the Worst Governor in America. Kathy Hochul’s dismal record of failure and bending the knee to Commie Mamdani is causing her already weak support to crater across New York. Voters want change and a Governor who will fight for them, which is why… pic.twitter.com/GyuNWPiBvk

— Alex deGrasse (@Degrasse81) October 8, 2025

Stefanik has not formally entered the 2026 race for governor but has been widely discussed as a potential challenger.

DeGrasse noted that the poll’s findings are particularly significant given that Stefanik has not yet announced a campaign.

“What is truly remarkable about this poll is that this is before Elise has even formally announced her campaign,” he said.

“There is a reason why Kathy is running scared.”

The poll highlights growing dissatisfaction among New Yorkers over issues such as crime, affordability, and state management — areas where Hochul’s administration has faced bipartisan criticism.

With Stefanik’s name recognition and support rising, political observers say the race for New York’s governorship in 2026 could become one of the most competitive in the country.

HOLY SMOKES: Elise Stefanik just took a flamethrower to Governor Hochul over her sanctuary state policies—and it was BRUTAL.

Rep. Stefanik brought the HEAT 🔥🔥🔥

Governor Kathy Hochul was squirming in the hot seat with nowhere to go.

“Governor Hochul, on your first day in… pic.twitter.com/uh6ZPs0Deh

— Vigilant Fox 🦊 (@VigilantFox) June 12, 2025