Debra Messing has crossed party lines in New York’s governor’s race, choosing Republican Bruce Blakeman over Democratic Gov. Kathy Hochul. Blakeman, the Nassau County executive, also carries the endorsement of President Donald Trump.

Fox News reported that Messing cited affordability, utility costs and congestion pricing while explaining why she wants Blakeman to become governor. Her decision is particularly unexpected because of her years of visible involvement in Democratic politics.

Messing is not merely supporting a Republican in a major statewide contest. She is backing a candidate endorsed by a president she has publicly opposed, making this more than a routine celebrity endorsement.

In a video shared on Instagram, Messing directly expressed her gratitude to Blakeman for joining the race. Her comments delivered an enthusiastic endorsement while sharply criticizing conditions in New York.

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“Oh gosh, I am so grateful that you are running,” Messing said. “You are what we need more than anything.”

Messing described New York City’s decline over the past four years as “exponential and devastating.” She also said businesses had disappeared and people were leaving, placing the city’s economic conditions at the center of her concerns.

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The actress made clear that her connection to New York remains deeply personal, even as she voiced disappointment with what the city has become. Her support for Blakeman appeared closely tied to the financial pressures she described.

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“I was born here. This is the city I love, and it’s not the city that I love anymore,” she said. Messing then described Blakeman as “the affordable candidate.”

Her most direct explanation focused on the cost of remaining in the city. “It’s just too expensive to live in New York City,” Messing said.

That position stands out because Messing has previously maintained a highly public role supporting Democratic candidates and causes. Fox News noted that she backed Hillary Clinton during the 2016 presidential election.

Messing later supported Cynthia Nixon when the actress challenged Andrew Cuomo for the Democratic nomination for New York governor in 2018. She also participated in Democratic get out the vote efforts during the 2020 election.

Her political history gives the Blakeman endorsement added weight. Rather than staying with the Democratic candidate in the governor’s race, Messing is publicly siding with Hochul’s Republican challenger.

Blakeman’s campaign has focused heavily on affordability, taxes, crime and immigration. Trump endorsed him after Rep. Elise Stefanik ended her bid for governor, connecting Messing’s choice to a candidate backed by someone she previously opposed.

For millions of television viewers, Messing remains closely identified with Grace Adler. She starred opposite Eric McCormack in NBC’s Will & Grace, which originally aired from 1998 to 2006 before returning for three additional seasons from 2017 to 2020.

According to the Television Academy, Messing received multiple Emmy nominations for portraying Grace. She won Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series in 2003.

Messing’s other major television credits include The Starter Wife, Smash and The Mysteries of Laura. She has also remained active in New York’s entertainment scene, including appearances at industry events in 2026.

This time, however, it is her unexpected political choice rather than a television role drawing renewed attention. By supporting Blakeman over Hochul, Messing has made a striking departure from the Democratic political activity that previously defined her public endorsements.

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