The race for New York governor has tightened significantly as incumbent Democrat Kathy Hochul and Republican challenger Bruce Blakeman nearly matched each other in the election’s sole debate on Tuesday, according to a new poll. The survey, conducted by Pollfinity between October 8 and 12, shows Hochul leading by a slim margin of 47% to 44%.

The poll, which surveyed 499 likely voters, also indicated that about 6% of respondents remained undecided, while another 3% planned to vote for other candidates. When undecided voters were pressed on their leanings, the gap between the two candidates narrowed further to 48% for Hochul and 44% for Blakeman.

This latest poll contrasts with recent surveys from other polling organizations, which had shown Hochul holding a comfortable lead of approximately 10 percentage points over Blakeman in the weeks leading up to the election. The shift suggests the race may be more competitive than previously anticipated as election day approaches.

Bruce Blakeman, currently the Nassau County executive, has gained momentum in the closing weeks of the campaign, presenting a formidable challenge to Governor Hochul, who ascended to the governorship earlier this year. The tightening contest comes amid heightened voter interest and increased scrutiny of the candidates' platforms during the debate.

With undecided voters playing a potentially decisive role, both candidates appear to be intensifying their efforts to secure support in the final stretch before votes are cast. The gubernatorial election remains one of the most closely watched races in the state, reflecting broader political dynamics as New York heads toward November.