Bruce Blakeman Gains Ground on Hochul Amid Voter Division Over Mamdani’s ‘Tax the Rich’ Proposal

ALBANY – Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman, poised to be the Republican contender for governor, is closing in on incumbent Kathy Hochul as New Yorkers remain divided over whether she should comply with New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s push for increased taxes.

In a recent poll by Siena University, Governor Hochul holds a lead over Blakeman, garnering 51% compared to his 31%, with 18% of voters still undecided.

This marks a six-point gain for Blakeman from the previous Siena poll in late January, where he lagged behind the Democrat 54% to 28%.

Blakeman has shown significant progress in the pivotal suburban areas, narrowing Hochul’s lead to just 2%, a substantial improvement from the 14% gap recorded in January.

“What was a 25-point lead in December and a 26-point lead in January has now shrunk to a 20-point margin, primarily because Republicans are rallying behind Blakeman,” explained Siena poll spokesperson Steve Greenberg.

The survey also indicates that approximately half of respondents support Mamdani’s proposal for Albany to raise income taxes on New York City residents earning more than $1 million annually.

The survey from Siena University shows that 54% of New Yorkers statewide, and 62% of New York City residents back the “Tax the Rich” proposal being trumpeted by Hizzoner, while just 21% oppose.

Another 11% have mixed thoughts and 5% don’t know, according to the poll.

Yet New Yorkers outside the city haven’t yet drunk the democratic socialist’s Kool-Aid when it comes to tax hikes.

Voters in the burbs and upstate had more tepid support for the tax hike — with half of the suburban vote and 48% of the upstate vote in favor, and with 32% and 35% against, respectively.

“As we enter budget month for the state, neither Hochul nor either house of the Legislature has indicated public support for Mamdani’s request to allow New York City to raise personal income taxes on City residents earning at least $1 million,” Greenberg said, adding, “Yet, the public is on Mamdani’s side.”

“While Republicans disagree, voters overall prefer New York City raise income taxes on its millionaires, rather than raise property taxes on all New York City property owners, Mamdani’s stated position,” Greenberg said, noting the more than 70% of support from state Dems.

Overall, 54% of the 805 registered voters, who were surveyed between Feb. 23-26, believe personal income taxes should be increased on the highest earners, and 29% say the state legislature should shoot down the proposal.

Notably, the respondents had to pick between raising taxes on property owners or the state’s higher earners.

The survey showed another month of positive net favorability ratings for Hochul. Siena’s respondents rated her 46% favorable and 42% unfavorable when polled late last month.

It’s the first time Hochul has had three consecutive months of a positive favorability rating since December 2022 to February 2023, fresh off her last reelection campaign.