Governor Kathy Hochul's decision to wear a hijab during a visit to an Islamic cultural center has become the latest flashpoint in a New York governor's race that suddenly looks more competitive.
Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman posted a photo of Hochul in the head covering, captioning it "Hijab Hochul" and "Kathy's Latest Costume: Whatever the Audience Wants." He accused the governor of political pandering just before the 25th anniversary of 9/11.
Gov. Hochul fired back, calling the attire a common sign of respect and saying anyone with a problem with it reveals more about themselves than her.
President Trump then jumped into the fight, writing on Truth Social that Hochul was "working hard to get the Arab Vote" while tying the controversy to his ongoing criticism of congestion pricing in Manhattan.
The controversy lands as Hochul's once-commanding advantage shows signs of narrowing.
A recent Siena poll found Hochul leading Blakeman 49% to 39% among likely voters. But Blakeman's campaign is now pointing to an even tighter race.
A new McLaughlin & Associates poll conducted for the Blakeman campaign found Hochul leading just 49.6% to 45.7%, with 4.7% of likely voters still undecided. The survey, conducted from Aug. 27 through Aug. 31 among 800 likely voters, also found that 55% viewed Hochul unfavorably.
Still, it isn't the only recent survey from pro-Blakeman groups showing a close race. Two other polls cited by the New York Post had Hochul ahead by four and six points.
At this same point in the 2022 cycle, Hochul led then-opponent Lee Zeldin by 14 points before ultimately winning by just six.
Now Blakeman is hoping history repeats itself — at least when it comes to the narrowing margin.
Hochul, meanwhile, is getting support from Mayor Zohran Mamdani, who has pledged to campaign for her. But that alliance could give Blakeman another line of attack.
The Siena poll found the Democratic Socialists of America, the organization Mamdani belongs to, underwater statewide, with 82% of Republicans and 57% of independents holding an unfavorable view.
That gives Blakeman another political contrast to work with as he tries to close the gap.
And with November approaching, a fight over a head covering has quickly become something bigger: another reminder that the race for New York governor is becoming a political brawl.
