Debra Messing ditches Democrat for Trump-backed Republican as she sounds alarm over New York, tell me about this news today

Actress Debra Messing, a longtime Democratic activist and prominent critic of Donald Trump, broke party lines to endorse Republican Bruce Blakeman in the New York gubernatorial race over incumbent Democratic Governor Kathy Hochul.

Mediaite

Messing publicly backed Blakemanthe Nassau County Executive endorsed by Donald Trumpciting steep declines in quality of life, affordability, and public safety across New York.

Mediaite

Key details of her announcement:

• Affordability and Costs: Messing stated that everyday New Yorkers are struggling under skyrocketing expenses, singling out high utility bills and Manhattan’s congestion pricing tolls. She described Blakeman as the “affordable candidate” focused on easing the financial strain on residents.

  Mediaite

• Concerns Over New York’s Direction: Speaking at a campaign event, Messing remarked that the decline of New York City has been “exponential and devastatingeconomically, socially and on every level,” adding, “It’s not the city I love anymore”.

  Mediaite

• Public Safety and Antisemitism: Messing, who has been an outspoken advocate for Jewish causes and Israel, also framed her endorsement around safety concerns, supporting Blakeman’s focus on combating the rise of antisemitic hate crimes in New York.

  Hoodline

The move has drawn widespread national attention because the Will & Grace star has historically been one of Hollywood’s most vocal Democratic fundraisers and campaigners, having previously campaigned for Hillary Clinton and clashed publicly with Trump. Her endorsement represents a rare, high-profile cross-party defection by a major celebrity in New York politics.

Hoodline