Trump Expected to Campaign With Blakeman in Syracuse

President Donald Trump is expected to campaign with Republican New York gubernatorial nominee Bruce Blakeman at an event in Syracuse on October 9, according to people familiar with the planning. The venue and exact timing have not been announced, and neither the White House nor Blakeman’s campaign had publicly confirmed the plans in reports reviewed by October 2. The appearance would bring Trump to Syracuse during the final weeks of the race between Blakeman, the Nassau County executive, and Democratic Gov. Kathy Hochul. Blakeman’s campaign has sought Trump’s help in upstate areas where polling shows a closer contest than in New York City. The planned event follows a joint appearance by the two Republicans in Garden City on Long Island in August. Polling cited in reports gives different estimates of Hochul’s statewide lead. Siena’s September likely-voter survey put her ahead 50% to 41%, while a separate Quinnipiac University poll showed her leading 58% to 39%. The figures come from different surveys and do not represent conflicting results from a single poll. Siena’s regional findings showed a tighter race outside New York City.