Actress Debra Messing has endorsed Republican Bruce Blakeman for New York governor, abandoning her support for Democratic incumbent Kathy Hochul. The former "Will & Grace" star, who is a New York native, made the switch after expressing alarm over the state of the city and the financial pressures facing its residents.
The endorsement represents a notable shift for Messing, who has previously campaigned for Democratic candidates. She backed Hillary Clinton in 2016 and supported Cynthia Nixon's 2018 bid for New York governor. Despite this history, Messing recently clashed with President Donald Trump, who is a supporter of Blakeman. However, her past political allegiances appeared to take a back seat as she enthusiastically praised Blakeman's campaign.
In a video shared on Instagram, Messing told Blakeman, "Oh gosh, I am so grateful that you are running. You are what we need more than anything." She cited a decline in the city over the last four years, describing it as exponential and devastating economically and socially. Messing stated that business has been lost and that people are leaving the city.
Messing said her support for Blakeman was rooted in concerns about affordability. She noted that she was born in New York and loves the city, but argued that it is no longer the same place she remembers. "I believe with all my heart that you are the answer," she said. She described Blakeman as the affordable candidate, emphasizing that people are struggling and need lower utility costs. She also mentioned that residents do not want to pay for congestion and driving.
Blakeman holds the office of Nassau County executive and is the Republican nominee seeking to unseat Hochul in the 2026 governor's race. The contest centers on affordability, taxes, crime, and immigration. Fox News Digital reached out to Messing's representative for comment but did not include a response in the report.