Hochul Raises $12M for 2026 Re-Election Amid Poor Polls and Mamdani Endorsement Pressure

New York Governor Kathy Hochul has kicked off her re-election campaign with a staggering fundraising haul of nearly $12 million in the first half of this year, showcasing robust grassroots support across all 62 counties of the Empire State. This financial firepower, as reported by her campaign on Monday, is split between her re-election bid and the New York State Democratic Committee, with over $4 million directly fueling her campaign and more than $7 million bolstering party efforts.

Yet, despite this financial triumph, Hochul faces a rocky road ahead. Recent polls paint a less rosy picture, with her favorability underwater at 42%-47% and a majority of New Yorkers expressing a desire for 'someone else' in the governor’s mansion come 2026. A Siena College survey reveals a state divided, with 50% believing New York is headed in the wrong direction. Even as she leads potential Republican challengers by double digits, Hochul struggles to break the 50% mark in hypothetical matchups.

Adding to the complexity, Hochul is caught in a political crossfire within her own party. Progressive voices are pressing her to endorse democratic socialist Zohran Mamdani, the recent upset winner of the New York City Democratic mayoral nomination. While Hochul has commended Mamdani’s focus on affordability and defended him against external threats, she remains cautious about his anti-Israel rhetoric and policing policies, echoing concerns from the business community about the future of law enforcement in the city.

Meanwhile, on the Republican front, figures like Rep. Elise Stefanik and Rep. Mike Lawler are sharpening their critiques as they eye a gubernatorial run, hoping to capitalize on Hochul’s lukewarm public support. And within her own ranks, Lieutenant Governor Antonio Delgado has launched a primary challenge, though current polls suggest he’s far from a serious threat.

As Hochul navigates these turbulent waters, her campaign remains defiant. Campaign manager Preston Elliott emphasized her commitment to countering national Republican agendas and delivering a 'safer, more affordable New York.' But with public sentiment tepid and political pressures mounting from all sides, Hochul’s path to re-election in 2026 is anything but assured.