The 2026 New York gubernatorial election will be held on November 3, 2026, with party primaries scheduled for June 23, 2026. The race features an incumbent Democratic governor seeking reelection, a notable intraparty challenge, and a Republican field that consolidated late in 2025.
New York remains one of the most reliably Democratic states in the country, but the contest will still test voter sentiment on issues like affordability, public safety, taxes, and state governance.
Democratic Primary
Kathy Hochul (Incumbent)
Governor Hochul is seeking a second full term after announcing her reelection bid in July 2024. She first assumed office in 2021 following Andrew Cuomo’s resignation and won a full term in 2022.
Despite mixed approval ratings and occasional intraparty friction, Hochul remains the clear frontrunner. Polling has consistently shown her leading the Democratic primary field by wide margins, backed by strong fundraising, institutional support, and endorsements across the party.
Antonio Delgado
Delgado, New York’s lieutenant governor, launched a primary challenge on June 2, 2025, citing philosophical and leadership differences with Hochul. While his campaign has attracted attention due to the unusual nature of a sitting lieutenant governor challenging the incumbent, he trails Hochul significantly in polling and name recognition statewide.
Delgado’s appeal is strongest among some progressive and reform-minded voters, though he faces long odds.
Not running:
Attorney General Letitia James is seeking reelection in her current office, and Rep. Tom Suozzi has endorsed Hochul rather than entering the race.
New rule: A law enacted in 2025 now requires candidates for governor and lieutenant governor to run as a joint ticket in party primaries.
Republican Primary
Bruce Blakeman
Blakeman, the Nassau County executive, is the presumptive Republican nominee. He announced his campaign in December 2025 after the GOP field shifted dramatically and quickly consolidated support.
Blakeman has received endorsements from President Donald Trump, the New York Republican Party, and the Conservative Party. His campaign focuses heavily on crime, cost-of-living pressures, taxes, and criticism of one-party Democratic control in Albany.
Withdrawn Candidate
Former U.S. Rep. Elise Stefanik briefly entered the race in November 2025 but withdrew in December, clearing the field for Blakeman.
Other Republican figures have filed paperwork or expressed exploratory interest, but none have gained significant traction.
Other Parties and Independents
Larry Sharpe
Sharpe, a Marine Corps veteran and perennial Libertarian candidate, has expressed interest and continues to campaign through early 2026.
A handful of lesser-known or exploratory candidates—such as Kevin Gay and Brock Pierce—have also shown interest, though they remain marginal players.
General Election Outlook
New York is considered a solidly Democratic state. Republicans have not won a statewide office since George Pataki’s reelection in 2002, and election forecasters currently rate the 2026 governor’s race as Solid Democratic.
Polling from late 2025 shows Hochul leading Blakeman by roughly 20 points or more in hypothetical general election matchups. Still, the campaign is expected to focus on persistent voter concerns around affordability, housing costs, crime, and taxes—areas where Republicans hope to narrow the gap.
With months remaining before filing deadlines and the primary election, the field could still evolve. As of early 2026, however, Kathy Hochul and Bruce Blakeman stand as the clear frontrunners for their parties.
For updates as the race develops, voters can track official filings and coverage through the New York State Board of Elections, Ballotpedia, and local New York political outlets.
New York Bay News 
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