Debra Messing ditches Democrat for Trump-backed Republican as she sounds alarm over New York

What happened: Debra Messing endorsed Republican Bruce Blakeman for New York governor, backing him over Democratic incumbent Gov. Kathy Hochul. Messing had previously campaigned for Democratic candidates. Why it matters: The endorsement is a political shift for Messing, who has clashed publicly with President Donald Trump, a Blakeman supporter. She cited affordability and the city's direction as her reasons. Key numbers: Blakeman is the Republican nominee for the 2026 election. Messing backed Hillary Clinton in 2016 and Cynthia Nixon in 2018.

Debra Messing endorsed Republican Bruce Blakeman for New York governor, backing him over Democratic incumbent Gov. Kathy Hochul. Messing had previously campaigned for Democratic candidates.

The endorsement is a political shift for Messing, who has clashed publicly with President Donald Trump, a Blakeman supporter. She cited affordability and the city's direction as her reasons. Key numbers: Blakeman is the Republican nominee for the 2026 election. Messing backed Hillary Clinton in 2016 and Cynthia Nixon in 2018.