{"id":29660,"date":"2026-01-10T13:31:51","date_gmt":"2026-01-10T13:31:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/cndailynews.store\/?p=29660"},"modified":"2026-01-10T13:31:51","modified_gmt":"2026-01-10T13:31:51","slug":"stefanik-closing-polling-gap-with-hochul-in-ny-governors-race-12","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/cndailynews.store\/?p=29660","title":{"rendered":"Stefanik Closing Polling Gap With Hochul In NY Governor\u2019s Race"},"content":{"rendered":"
\n
\n
\n
\"\"
\u00a0Getty Images<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n

This article may contain commentary
\nwhich reflects the author’s opinion.<\/p>\n

\n<\/div>\n
\n
<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

A new poll indicates that Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-N.Y.), a candidate for governor, is trailing incumbent Gov. Kathy Hochul (D) by just 3 percentage points \u2014 suggesting a potentially competitive race if Stefanik secures the Republican nomination.<\/p>\n

Advertisement<\/div>\n

The survey, conducted by independent market research firm J.L. Partners, polled 500 likely New York voters and found Hochul leading Stefanik 46 percent to 43 percent in a hypothetical matchup, with 11 percent undecided,\u00a0The Hill reported<\/a>, citing the results.<\/p>\n

The survey shows that 37 percent of voters have a very or somewhat favorable view of Stefanik, while 32 percent hold a somewhat or very unfavorable view.<\/p>\n

Stefanik, a strong supporter of President Trump, launched her gubernatorial campaign last week. She was first elected to Congress in 2014 to represent New York\u2019s 21st Congressional District and served as House GOP conference chair from 2021 to 2025.<\/p>\n

\n
<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

Trump nominated her for U.S. ambassador to the United Nations in January, but the nomination was later withdrawn after concerns were raised that her vote in Congress would be needed to advance his agenda.<\/p>\n

Meanwhile, Hochul\u00a0is tapping the brakes<\/a>\u00a0on New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani\u2019s $700 million plan for free city buses, casting early doubt on one of the far-left lawmaker\u2019s biggest campaign promises, The New York Post reported.<\/p>\n

Speaking at the SOMOS political retreat in Puerto Rico on Saturday, Hochul said she\u2019s already spent heavily to support the city\u2019s struggling MTA and questioned how much further the state could go.<\/p>\n

Advertisement<\/div>\n

\u201cI continue to be excited at the work of making the slowest buses in America fast and free,\u201d Mamdani said Monday during an unrelated press conference. \u201cAnd I appreciate the governor\u2019s continued partnership in delivering on that agenda of affordability.\u201d<\/p>\n

But Hochul\u2019s comments in San Juan marked the latest break between the moderate Democratic governor and Mamdani, the Democratic socialist she endorsed just two months ago.<\/p>\n

Hochul happily rode Mamdani\u2019s coattails during the campaign as he energized progressives with promises of affordability and social programs, but she has shown far less enthusiasm for actually paying for them.<\/p>\n

Advertisement<\/p>\n
<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

The governor has rejected several of Mamdani\u2019s cornerstone ideas, including proposals to raise taxes on wealthy New Yorkers to fund $10 billion in new benefits like free child care and fareless transit.<\/p>\n

Her caution could create a serious roadblock for the incoming mayor, whose ambitious plans rely on support from Albany to move forward.<\/p>\n