By Hank Russell
With the inclusion of U.S. Representative Elise Stefanik in the governor’s race, the Nassau County executive chances just got bleaker.
A recent poll from GrayHouse found that Stefanik (R-Plattsburgh) would easily dominate not only her fellow colleague in Congress, Mike Lawler (R-Pearl River), but also Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman. If the Republican primary for governor were held today, 44% would vote for Stefanik, 7% for Lawler and 5% for Blakeman. However, another 44% said they don’t know.
Although Blakeman has a +18 net favorability rating (more favorable than unfavorable), it is less than Lawler’s +28 or Stefanik’s +47, according to GrayHouse. Among independents, Blakeman holds a rating at -1, while Lawler’s rating is at +2 and Stefanik’s is at +10.
The poll also finds that Blakeman only has a statewide recognition of 36%. Meanwhile, Stefanik is at 69% statewide recognition, and Lawler’s was at 58%.
Going head to head against incumbent Democrat governor Kathy Hochul, Blakeman would trail her 44%-36%. GrayHouse said Stefanik has the best chance to defeat Hochul, at 46%-40% in favor of Hochul. Lawler would trail Hochul, 45%-38%.
A March poll from Siena College Research Institute found that, before Stefanik entered the race, Blakeman trailed Lawler, 25%-13%.
Long Island Life & Politics reached out to the Nassau GOP for comment, but did not hear back as of press time.