Nick Reisman is reporting for State of Politics incumbent New York Gov. Kathy Hochul remains the frontrunner in the June Democratic primary, according to a Siena College poll released January 18. Hochul took office on August 24, and at this point she is way ahead of her rivals U.S. Rep. Tom Suozzi and New York City Public Advocate Jumaane Williams, as well as former New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio. De Blasio announced after the poll was released that he would not run for governor. Hochul is supported by 46 percent of the Democrats polled. The former mayor drew 12 percent, Willams is supported by 11 percent and Suozzi, a Long Island congressman, received 6 percent. Hochul is the choice of 40 percent of Democrats in New York City and 40 percent of downstate suburban voters. State Attorney General Letitia James, the Democrat seen as Hochul's most competitive rival for the nomination, withdrew her bid in December and opted instead to run for a second term as AG next year. "With 22 weeks until the primary, it appears Hochul is in the catbird seat to be the Democratic nominee for governor,” said Siena College pollster Steven Greenberg. “Hochul approaches support from nearly half of Democrats, 46 percent, up from 36 percent last month — before James, who had the support of 18 percent, exited the race. ..." The poll found voters support Hochul's proposal to allow restaurants to sell to-go beverages 55 percent to 34 percent. Voters also back her proposal to expand programs in prisons that would help people get jobs once they are released, 79 percent to 14 percent. And 77 percent of voters support term limits for all statewide elected officials as proposed by the governor through a constitutional amendment. The poll of 806 registered voters was conducted from January 9 to 13. Read the full story at nystateofpolitics [dot] com.