Hochul holds early lead in Siena poll

Results released in a Siena College Research Poll on Tuesday show, with three months until Election Day, Democratic Gov. Kathy Hochul holds a 14-point lead over her Republican challenger, Rep. Lee Zeldin, 53-39%.

Siena College pollster Steve Greenberg says Hochul’s lead is a reflection of the Democrats’ large enrollment advantage in New York.

“Hochul and Zeldin are both holding their parties, as she leads among Democrats 81-12%, and he leads among Republicans 84-12%. Independents narrowly tilt toward Zeldin, 44-42%,” Greenberg said.

However, don’t write off Zeldin just yet.

“Fourteen weeks is a long time in politics, and we know most voters don’t really begin to focus on elections till after Labor Day,” Greenburg warned.

Other results show that 68% of voters asked oppose the Supreme Court decision overturning Roe v Wade. Nearly three-quarters of New Yorkers asked think abortion should always be legal (44%) or mostly legal (30%).

As for the new law expanding background checks, references, and safety course requirements for concealed carry permits, there was overwhelming support among the respondents.

“Support for the new law expanding eligibility requirements to obtain a permit to carry a concealed weapon – background checks with character references and firearms safety training courses – is through the roof with all demographic groups. In fact, the ‘lowest’ support is with conservatives, who favor the new law 71-27%,” Greenberg said. “There is also strong support for prohibiting concealed weapons in sensitive locations, 60-34%, and requiring private businesses to have a sign if they allow concealed weapons on their premises, 63-32%.”

Click here for complete results.