As early voting concluded across New York on Sunday, November 2, 2026, Governor Kathy Hochul and Republican challenger Bruce Blakeman made their final pushes to secure votes ahead of Tuesday's election. Both candidates crisscrossed the state to deliver closing arguments to undecided voters.
What Is Being Proposed
The gubernatorial race has centered heavily on economic pressures, public safety investments, and state governance as voters prepare to head to the polls on November 3. Governor Hochul has emphasized her administration's efforts to lower the cost of living through expanded housing initiatives, universal childcare, and a nearly $4 billion investment in public safety and law enforcement. Meanwhile, Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman has built his campaign around fiscal conservatism, pledging to lower taxes and utility costs while targeting state policies on immigration and energy.
What It Would Change
The outcome of the election will determine the direction of major state policies over the next four years, ranging from taxation and energy regulations to public assistance and immigration enforcement. Blakeman has vowed to sign an executive order on his first day in office to reverse New York's sanctuary state policies and deport undocumented immigrants with criminal records. On the other hand, Hochul's platform focuses on expanding public programs, utility rebate checks, and continued investments in education and infrastructure.
Who Supports and Who Opposes It
The candidates have drawn backing from distinct political coalitions across the state. Hochul has leaned into Democratic strongholds, campaigning alongside prominent figures like New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez in Queens. Blakeman has rallied support in suburban and conservative communities, appearing with local leaders and highlighting an endorsement from President Donald Trump, though polls indicate mixed voter sentiment regarding national political figures.
Where Things Stand
Entering the final hours before Election Day, public opinion polls show a competitive landscape. A late-October Siena University poll showed Hochul leading Blakeman 54% to 40% among likely voters, while a Marist poll recorded a similar double-digit margin. However, Blakeman and his campaign have contested these figures, arguing that university polls undercount Republican turnout in a race that hinges heavily on voter mobilization.
What Happens Next
With early voting having wrapped up on Sunday evening after steady turnout across the five boroughs and surrounding counties, all remaining ballots will be cast on Election Day, Tuesday, November 3. Voters will decide not only the gubernatorial contest and other statewide offices, but also local congressional races and municipal ballot measures.
Frequently Asked Questions
- When is Election Day in New York? Election Day takes place on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, with polling locations open across the state.
- What time did early voting end? Early voting officially concluded on Sunday, November 2, 2026, at 5 p.m. in New York City.
- Who are the main candidates for governor? The primary candidates are Democratic incumbent Governor Kathy Hochul and Republican challenger Bruce Blakeman.
- What were the key issues in the final days of the campaign? Campaigns focused heavily on the cost of living, taxation, public safety, energy costs, and state immigration policies.
- What do recent polls indicate about the race? Pre-election polls from Siena and Marist showed Hochul holding a double-digit lead among likely voters heading into the final stretch.
