The GOP has lagged behind Democratic candidates every election cycle since 1988, but polling for 2024 shows the gap narrowing.

A new Siena College poll reveals former President Donald Trump is now more popular with New York voters than Gov. Kathy Hochul. Trump holds a 39% favorability rating, compared to Hochul’s 34%. The poll shows Hochul struggling with record-low approval, with 54% of voters viewing her unfavorably.

This year, Trump pressured aides to make a real play in deep-blue territory, especially as President Joe Biden struggled in polls. That aspiration hasn’t dimmed as Vice President Kamala Harris replaced Biden on the Democratic ticket and quickly tightened up the race.