Ex-Gov. Pataki reveals why Blakeman could win NY’s top office despite some polls — and he should know

On November 1, 2026, former New York Gov. George Pataki said Republican gubernatorial candidate Bruce Blakeman could overcome polls showing him trailing Gov. Kathy Hochul, citing his own 1994 upset victory over Mario Cuomo. Pataki urged New York Republicans to vote, arguing that the election is about state government in Albany.