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‘Democrats Actually Have Real Results’: Hochul Tries To Quell ‘Anxiety’ Ahead Of Tight Race

[Screenshot CNN This Morning]

Brianna Lyman News and Commentary Writer
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Democratic New York Gov. Kathy Hochul on Friday tried to quell anxiety over the tighter-than-expected gubernatorial race by telling voters that Democrats have produced “real results,” while Republicans haven’t.

Hochul is running against Republican Rep. Lee Zeldin, with a recent Trafalgar Group poll released Monday showing Zeldin narrowly leading Hochul 48.4% to 47.6%. RealClearPolitics has the race listed as a toss up but projects Hochul will hold the seat.

“It is surprising that the race is this close. Why is this race so close, governor? Are you concerned?” CNN’s Don Lemon asked Hochul.

Hochul tried to tamp down fears, saying she has been riding the subway as crime continues to be a top priority for voters.

“I took the subway over from Manhattan. So, I think what’s not being captured in the polls is that there really is finally energy on the ground. It doesn’t manifest itself earlier, but it is all coming to bear,” Hochul said. “You only need to peak on Election Day. But I do think that there’s anxiety out there. You know, you talk about the economy a lot and we understand that. We understand it.” (RELATED: ‘Frustrating As Heck’: Dem Governor Talks Kathy Hochul’s Close New York Race)

“I think it’s a combination of coming off a tough couple of years of the pandemic, people are feeling anxious about the price of everything going up, all their groceries and their rent, and it’s a frustrating time, I understand that,” Hochul continued. “But we want them to know the Democrats actually have real results as opposed to just the Republican rhetoric, and that’s really what our campaign is coming down to.”

Hochul has tried to cast Republicans as ineffective, saying Sunday the GOP is the party of “master manipulators” who are spreading a false narrative about high crime rates.

“These are master manipulators,” Hochul said. “They have this conspiracy going all across America trying to convince people that in Democratic states, they’re not as safe. Well guess what? They’re also not only election deniers, they’re data deniers.”

As of Oct. 17, crime in New York’s subway system was up 41% compared to the same point in 2021, CNN reported, citing statistics from the New York Police Department.