Poll: Nearly 2/3 NYers blame bail reform for crime spike, Hochul would lose comfortable lead if Cuomo entered primary

ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WHEC) — Siena College Monday released a new poll on New York’s gubernatorial primary and bail reform.

If Gov. Kathy Hochul were only to face New York City public advocate Jumaane Williams and congressman Tom Suozzi, she’s polling a 40-point lead.

If former governor Andrew Cuomo were to run in the primary, the poll found Hochul’s support would drop to 38%.

RELATED: Report: Cuomo planning a comeback?

In that case, 30% would vote for Cuomo and Suozzi and Williams would take 10% and 7% respectively.

The poll also found that nearly two-thirds of New Yorkers say the bail reform law has resulted in increased crime.

That number includes Republicans, Independents, voters from every region, white and Latino voters, as well as majorities of Democratic and Black voters.

A little less than half of Democrats polled and the majority of younger voters said they think the law has been good for the state, whereas 72% of voters said they think the law should be changed to give judges more discretion to change bail.

Hochul has said she is hoping to include some changes to bail reform in the budget, which is due Friday.