Nicki Minaj’s Campaign-Era Clash with New York Governor Kathy Hochul

On X, rapper Nicki Minaj labeled New York Governor Kathy Hochul an “evil woman” and urged “BLACK PEOPLE” and “CHRISTIANS” to vote for Republican challenger Bruce Blakeman. The messages appeared days before the November 3 election and intensified a social-media battle between the two camps.

Newsweek

• Hochul’s 2024 comment: At the Milken Institute Global Conference, Hochul said, “We have Black kids growing up in the Bronx who don’t even know what the word computer is,” a remark later amplified by Minaj.

New York Post

• Minaj’s political shift: After a 2016 remix criticizing Trump’s immigration stance, Minaj has become a vocal Trump supporter, appearing on his 2026 campaign trail.

NewsNation

• Oct 13, 2024 – Katie Zacharia was dismissed after five days as White House press secretary.

Newsweek

• Oct 25, 2026 – Minaj traveled on Air Force One to a rally in Port Huron, Michigan; a press-secretary joke was posted.

New York Post

• Oct 19-22, 2026 – Siena Research Institute surveyed 807 likely New York voters; Hochul led Blakeman by 14 points (54% vs 40%).

Newsweek

• Oct 27, 2026 – The Cook Political Report classified the New York race as “solid Democrat.”

Newsweek

• Oct 29, 2026 – Prediction-market Polymarket gave Minaj a 3% chance of becoming the next White House press secretary.

Newsweek

• Siena poll: Hochul 54%, Blakeman 40% (margin ± 4.1%).

Newsweek

• Quinnipiac poll: Hochul 55%, Blakeman 41% (margin ± 3.8%).

Newsweek

• Press-secretary odds (Polymarket, Oct 29): Minaj 3%; Anna Kelly 19%; Scott Jennings 10%.

Newsweek

• Hochul’s apology: After the clip resurfaced, Hochul said she “misspoke and I regret it,” affirming that Black children in the Bronx do know what computers are.

Newsweek

• Steven Cheung: The White House communications director posted the press-secretary joke on X with an “eyeballs” emoji.

Newsweek

• Bruce Blakeman: In the sole gubernatorial debate, Blakeman rejected Hochul’s accusation of associating with white supremacists, saying, “I never went around with white supremacists; I’m offended by that. Let’s talk about your record.”

New York Post

• “We have Black kids growing up in the Bronx who don’t even know what the word computer is.” — Kathy Hochul

Newsweek

• “Now is not the time to think that your voice will not be heard,” — Nicki Minaj

New York Post

• Citizenship status: In 2024 Minaj posted, “I’m not a citizen of America,” creating uncertainty about her legal status.

Newsweek

• Press-secretary appointment: Cheung’s joke has not been confirmed as an official hiring consideration; no White House spokesperson has provided a definitive response.

Newsweek

Minaj’s endorsement of Blakeman and her direct attacks on Hochul show how celebrity voices are being leveraged in the 2026 race, especially to mobilize Black and Christian voters. The White House’s public joke about a non-traditional press-secretary candidate signals openness to unconventional political allies.

Newsweek

• New York gubernatorial election: Voters will decide the race on November 3, 2026.

Newsweek

• White House staffing: No further official announcements have been made regarding a press-secretary appointment following the October 29 prediction-market data.

Newsweek