Debra Messing Reveals The Real Reason She Backed Blakeman For Governor
The plan was for a Hollywood actress to stick with her party. That was the plan. Instead, Debra Messing threw her support behind Republican Bruce Blakeman for New York governor. The news comes after a private meeting where the star voiced strong concerns about her home state. According to Breitbart, this endorsement marks a significant shift for the actress known for her liberal views.
The two met at a fundraiser hosted by dietician Tanya Zuckerbrot in Manhattan. Reports say the conversation turned quickly to the state of New York. Messing did not hold back her feelings about the current leadership. She told Blakeman directly, "You are what we need more than anything." This moment was captured on video and shared widely.
Star Dem-backer Debra Messing endorses GOP's Bruce Blakeman for NY governor: 'What we need' https://t.co/hNZqZNBO4k https://t.co/mXPpjzTtWq
— New York Post (@nypost) October 5, 2026
Messing pointed to the high cost of living as a major reason for her switch. She argued that the situation is bad on every front. "Economically, socially, and on every level. And, obviously, we've lost so much business here. People are leaving the city," she stated. She noted that families are struggling to pay their bills.
She also brought up the new tolls for driving into Manhattan. She mentioned the $9 congestion pricing fee as a burden on residents. "They need their utilities to be lower. And they don't want to have to pay to have congestion," Messing said. To her, Blakeman represents a solution to the financial squeeze.
Safety was another key factor she raised during the talk. Messing said she wants to protect her community from rising crime. She emphasized her deep love for the city despite the changes. "I was born here. This is the city I love," she said. But she admitted, "And it's not the city that I love anymore." She believes Blakeman is the only way to fix it.
Bruce Blakeman thanked her for the endorsement and shared his own vision for the state. He agreed that the current path is not working for families. He also echoed her call to restore the state's former greatness. "We have to bring our state back, as you said, we used to be the Empire State, and we can do it again," he added.
Debra Messing is backing me over Kathy Hochul.
Party loyalty doesn’t pay the utility bill or keep you safe.
Thank you, Debra. I’ll cut taxes, lower bills, and make New York safe and affordable.
Had enough of Hochul? Join us.
— Bruce Blakeman (@NassauExec) October 5, 2026
The endorsement comes as the race for governor heats up. Messing called him the "affordable candidate" in her statement. Her words carry weight with voters who are tired of high prices. She noted that people are just struggling. "I think, more than anything, people are just really struggling," she said. The video of the event has been obtained by the New York Post and shared online.
Messing's decision shows that economic pain is crossing party lines. She told Blakeman, "You are the affordable candidate." Her support gives the Republican a boost in a state that leans Democratic. The message is clear: costs are too high and safety is at risk. She believes Blakeman can turn things around. "She is trying as hard as she can to save New York," Blakeman said of her efforts. The race now has a new voice from the entertainment world.