Polls open in 2026 NY governor's race as Hochul, Blakeman make final push

Weeks of campaigning, millions spent on ads, election day finally here, and all eyes are on the race for New York governor. All right, Governor Kathy Hochul and Republican challenger Bruce Blakeman made their last push yesterday, and it all comes down to today. Good day's Jessica Formoso outside a polling site in Union Square this morning with the very latest. Jessica, what are you seeing out there? Good morning, Dan and Rosanna. We are seeing voters coming in and out of this polling site. They opened up at 6 and open until 9 p.m. So if you haven't voted, you still have some time to do so. We do know that early voting across the state surged nearly 70 percent compared to the election four years ago. We know that voters are engaged in this midterm election and the candidates themselves know that. So they've been out there in full force making their closing arguments. We know that Governor Kathy Hochul and her challenger, Republican Bruce Blakeman made a number of stops yesterday. Go ahead, take a look at the video there. The most recent polls show that the Democratic incumbent, Governor Kathy Hochul, maintaining her edge by double digits. She spent the day campaigning across the city on the eve of Election Day, ending her night in Williamsburg, holding a New York fights back rally where she was surrounded by her allies, including House Minority Leader. Hakeem Jeffries, the governor touting her achievements and promising to expand child care statewide, boost housing construction, lower everyday costs and strengthen public safety, all while pushing against the Trump administration regarding immigration enforcement, his tariffs and their effect on everyday New Yorkers. People are thanking me. For the checks they're getting in the mail to help pay for their utility bills. One billion dollars coming back in check. There you go. You get your check, get your check, get your check. There you go. Trying to help put money back in New Yorkers' pockets. You too. You got my vote? Meanwhile, her Republican challenger, Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman, who was with voters on Long Island, Buffalo, Rochester, Syracuse, and Binghamton before ending his night at MSG campaigning at the Knicks game. He was sporting a Knicks jersey, the back read Cut Taxes 26. The jersey represents Blakeman's campaign, which centers on tax relief, a 50% reduction in utility bills statewide, and also improving public safety. He has also pledged to sign an executive order on his first day in office, declaring that New York is no longer a sanctuary state. It's neck and neck right now. We're very, very pleased with the early voting and the absentee ballots. We think that we made a lot of progress there and I fully expect that tomorrow night I will raise my hand just like the Knicks did and claim the championship. Let's take a look at the attorney general race. incumbent Letitia James also has a double-digit lead over Republican Seritha Kamatareddy, 54 to 39. James making her case for another term while her challenger argues the office needs to put a greater focus on public safety. James was alongside Governor Hochul last night at the rally while Kamatareddy spent her morning on Long Island with Bruce Blakeman, both women, making their final push to voters. This election is not about Republican versus Democrat. This election is not about partisan politics. This election is about having common sense in New York State government, competence in New York State government, and a way forward that's actually going to make a safer New York. I'm very proud to be running. I'm very excited about winning this election. Whenever this administration issued an illegal and unconstitutional executive order, We have to defend the interests and the rights and the privileges of residents of the great state of New York. And we won 85% of our cases. And that's why I rent space in his head. He knows my name. Now let's go back to the governor's race. We know that Bruce Blakeman will be voting in less than 45 minutes. He's expected to vote in Atlantic Beach. The governor, she's voted, but she will be campaigning in Queens this morning. Again, polls are now open until 9 p.m. here in New York. Rosanna Dan, back to both of you. All right, Jessica, thank you very much.