Home · Entertainment · Oct 7 archive
Debra Messing Endorses Trump-Backed Republican for NY Governor
Confirmed
In Short: Debra Messing, the actress known for her role in 'Will & Grace,' announced her endorsement of Republican Bruce Blakeman for New York governor, a move that marks a significant departure from her previous political affiliations.
In a lengthy Instagram post, Messing explained that while she has been a Democrat her entire life and has focused on voting rights, LGBTQ+ issues, and gun control, her concerns about the quality of life in New York City have shifted her stance.
Messing cited the rising cost of living and public safety issues, particularly subway violence, as key factors in her decision.
She wrote, 'I still stand by every one of those principles, but what has changed is how I feel about the city and state I love dearly.'
Messing noted that she voted for New York Governor Kathy Hochul four years ago but feels no better off now, prompting her to ask, 'Who do I believe will actually make life better for the people I love and the place I live?'
For Messing, the answer is Blakeman, who she believes focuses on affordability and safety.
She emphasized that no candidate is perfect but said Blakeman addresses the issues hurting New Yorkers right now.
Despite Blakeman's endorsement by former President Donald Trump, Messing insisted that the president's backing did not influence her decision.
In her post, Messing highlighted the struggles of small business owners, teachers, nurses, and young people trying to start their lives in New York, noting that policies like congestion pricing are making it difficult to afford.
Kennedy, a Fox News host, discussed Messing's endorsement and the political shift among some Hollywood liberals.
Messing also addressed the backlash she faced in Hollywood after speaking publicly about Israel and antisemitism following the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack.
She said, 'There was a moment where I was feeling like the United States was no longer safe, especially in New York.'
What this adds
Debra Messing's political shift comes months after she spoke openly about her concerns over safety in the United States and her relationship with Israel.
Blakeman's campaign has said he supports abortion rights and gay rights, which Messing noted as part of her endorsement criteria.
What's confirmed
- "I still stand by every one of those principles," the 58-year-old said, adding, "What has changed is how I feel about the city and state I love dearly." In the past, Messing has supported candidates like former President Joe Biden, Hillary Clinton and Cynthia Nixon before she endorsed the Republican Nassau County executive.
- Explaining that she voted for New York Gov. Kathy Hochul four years ago and recently reflecting that she didn’t feel better off than she was four years ago, she said, "So I asked myself the question I’d encourage everyone to ask. Not: ‘Which party am I supposed to vote for?’ But: ‘Who do I believe will actually make life better for the people I love and the place I live?’" She said for her, that was Bruce Blakeman because of his focus on affordability and safety.
- "violence we see on our streets and subways frightens me."
What's still developing
- "we risk losing part of what has long made New York an extraordinary place of opportunity."
- Debra Messing defended her decision to support Trump-backed Republican Bruce Blakeman for governor of New York on Tuesday.
- Debra Messing has broken with her longtime Democratic voting record.