'Will & Grace' actress Debra Messing ditches Democrats to back Trump-endorsed Republican for New York governor
From the Newshound archive · first published 7 October 2026 · last updated 8 October 2026.
Debra Messing, who campaigned for Hillary Clinton in 2016, has endorsed Trump-backed Republican Bruce Blakeman for New York governor, citing soaring costs and subway violence.
Debra Messing, a lifelong Democrat and former fierce Trump critic, has endorsed Republican Bruce Blakeman for New York governor, citing soaring costs, subway violence and urban decline. The 58-year-old 'Will & Grace' star announced her support at a Manhattan fundraiser on 5 October, saying New York is 'not the city I love anymore'. Blakeman, the Nassau County executive backed by Trump, will face incumbent Democratic Governor Kathy Hochul on 3 November.
Messing, who campaigned for Hillary Clinton in 2016 and appeared at the Democratic National Convention, called Blakeman 'the affordable candidate'.
She cited congestion pricing, rising utility bills and people fleeing the city as proof New York has suffered 'exponential and devastating' decline over four years.
'I believe with all my heart that you are the answer,' Messing told Blakeman, despite admitting she does not agree with him on everything.
