The race for governor is now a toss-up, according to RealClearPolitics.
The contest between Gov. Hochul and her Republican challenger, Long Island Rep. Lee Zeldin, had been listed as “lean Democrat,” something a jubilant Zeldin noted on Twitter on Saturday.
“We have just 24 days to go until we FIRE @KathyHochul & save our state. It’s not too late for Hochul to come out of hiding & do multiple debates with me across New York, starting immediately!” Zeldin said.
RealClear’s rolling average of polls from Sept. 30-Oct. 12 shows Hochul up by only 5.3%, with nearly 7% of voters undecided.
The race was previously considered a “lean Democrat” in favor of Gov. Hochul. Michael Brochstein/ZUMA Press Wire“It’s a very competitive race,” said pollster Doug Schoen on Friday.
Zeldin’s comeback has been remarkable, with a poll as recent as August showing him down 24 points.
News of the deadlocked race came as Hochul fended off criticism for the $1 billion in taxpayer funds some critics have slammed as a slush fund to buy votes in the upcoming election. On Saturday, the governor deflected, blaming the Legislature.
“Everything we do has been approved by the Legislature,” said Hochul, responding to The Post’s front page while stumping in The Bronx.
