Elise Stefanik

PLATTSBURGH, N.Y. (WCAX) - With Election Day just weeks away, a new poll shows Democrat Blake Gendebien narrowly leading Republican Anthony Constantino in the race for Rep. Elise Stefanik’s congressional seat.

The poll, released on Friday, was conducted by the Siena Research Institute for the Times Union, WPTZ, and WAMC. It shows that among 496 likely voters, Gendebien edges out Constantino 46% to 42%.

“It’s telling us that this race is undecided and that either candidate can make a successful bid for this congressional seat,” said Harvey Schantz, a political science professor at SUNY Plattsburgh.

The poll also shows where party support stands for each candidate. Gendebien earns about 85% of Democratic voters, while Constantino registers about 65% of Republicans, with 10% undecided, according to the poll.

“Herein lies the opportunity for Constantino. What he has to do is coalesce Republican voters and get them to support their party candidate,” Schantz said.

With so many polls and predictions, we asked people in downtown Plattsburgh whether they pay attention to polling. Most said they take little to no stock in polls in general, while others said they want to know how many people responded.

“What people did they put this poll out to, what kind of people, how many people?” said Erin Cincotta.

“I think they could matter. I think it’s the people that’s gathering the information and how they disperse it,” added Mark Cincotta.

If Gendebien were to win, it would mark the first time the North Country seat returned to Democratic control since Bill Owens held the seat in 2014.

A spokesperson for Constantino called it an “uncredible survey” and took issue with a candidate who is not on the ballot being included. Gendebien campaign officials applauded the poll results.

Anyone with questions about how or where to vote can find information on the state’s election website.

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