A Cuomo Statewide Run Could Jeopardize Democrats' Chances of Retaining the NY Governorship
By Ryan O’Donnell, Isa Alomran, and Ahmad Ali
A new poll from Data for Progress finds Andrew Cuomo pursuing an independent statewide run could jeopardize New York Democrats’ chances of holding the governorship in November. Republican challenger Congressman Lee Zeldin lags behind Democratic incumbent Kathy Hochul in the race. Fifty-one percent of New York likely voters would vote for Hochul while 36 percent would vote for Zeldin in a hypothetical head-to-head — a margin of 15 points.
The prospects of beating Zeldin are considerably lower for former governor Andrew Cuomo should he have filed to run as a Democrat in the 2022 race for governor. Forty-four percent of New York likely voters would vote for Cuomo and 41 percent would vote for Zeldin in a hypothetical head-to-head — a margin of just 3 points, placing his chances of winning within the poll’s ±3 percent margin of error.
The poll also finds 60 percent of New York voters think Cuomo should not run for statewide office again — as opposed to just 31 percent who think he should. Majorities of likely voters from major regions across the state — Long Island, the Mid-Hudson, Western New York, and the Capital Region — and a plurality of New York City voters believe Cuomo should not run for statewide office again.
Incumbent Kathy Hochul is a stronger candidate for New York governor this November election than Republican challenger Lee Zeldin. These findings also make clear former governor Andrew Cuomo — who has publicly toyed with the idea of once again seeking public office — should think again, as it’s clear that a wide majority of New York likely voters do not want to see the former disgraced governor return to statewide office.
Ryan O’Donnell is Electoral Director at Data for Progress
Isa Alomran is a Senior Polling Analyst at Data for Progress
Ahmad Ali is Press Secretary at Data for Progress