How the hell is Hochul doing this well compared to Dan McKee (the other Democratic Governor who took over midterm) anyways?
Weaker competitors, high profile endorsements and exciting Dems for being the 1st female gov?
Additionally, NY is a large state where challengers need to raise a ton of money to compete and even get enough name rec. Being an incumbent for sure helps a lot more here.
The fundraising issue in a large state as New York compared to a small state like Rhode Island is definitely an issue.
McKee also seems to be relatively moderate, drawing more opposition, while Hochul has adjusted her positions from a decade ago. She may also benefit from the fact that her opponents run to her left and right, while she's in the mainstream of the party.
It's definitely an accomplishment that she has managed to pull ahead so easily. While lt. governor, she was seen as low-profile and even when Cuomo was about to fall, she was still considered an underdog who may just serve as placeholder. However, I guess most people now feel she's up to the job. I hope she does well in November as well, which could help her gain a national profile.
