Exclusive | More than half of New York voters concerned about rise of socialism: poll

Red alert!A majority of New York voters are concerned about the rise of socialism and candidates running under the Democratic Socialists of America banner, a new poll claims.The survey conducted by the firm co/efficient for the right-leaning Coalition to Protect Nassau asked: “How concerned are you about the rise of socialism and candidates from the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) Party in New York?”Among 1,046 likely voters queried, 56% said they were concerned about the surge of socialism in the Empire State — including 44% who said they were “very” concerned, compared to 44% who were not concerned.A staggering 85% of Republicans said they were concerned, including 77% who said they were very worried.But 62% of Democrats said they were not concerned about creeping socialism, while 38% said they were.Meanwhile, 58% of voters not registered with a major party said they were worried about growing socialism, including 44% who were very concerned, with the remaining 42% saying they were not concerned or not concerned “at all.”As for the governor’s race, the poll shows Democratic incumbent Gov.Kathy Hochul leading Republican opponent Bruce Blakeman 48% to 41%, with 11% undecided.Hochul’s lead increased by one point from the group’s prior poll taken in July, when Hochul led 47% to 41%.The firm accurately predicted in 2022 that the race between Hochul and then-Long Island Republican Rep.

Lee Zeldin would be closer than public polling anticipated.She won by 6 percentage points — the same spread the coalition had between the candidates in its September 2022 polling.Two recent independent polls showed Hochul leading Blakeman by 9 points (Siena University 50% to 41%) or 19 points (Quinnipiac College 58% to 39%).Despite her lead in the race, only 36% of likely voters in the Nassau County Taxpayers poll have a favorable view of Hochul who is seeking a second term, while 46% have an unfavorable view and 18% were undecided.In comparison, 33% viewed B...