He leads in every poll by double-digit margins. He is a two-term Democrat seeking re-election in a divisive midterm year, in a state filled with blue-wave voters. And his Republican opponent is running out of money.

It would appear then that Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo has little to fear as he seeks a third term as New York’s governor.

But less than three weeks until the election, Mr. Cuomo has still not committed to debate his rivals.

Despite increasing pressure from his challengers and editorial boards across the state, Mr. Cuomo has demurred when asked if he would participate in a debate.