Debra Messing facing intense backlash over support of Trump-backed politician: ‘Is someone playing a joke?’
Messing has previously been under fire for her comments about NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani
Debra Messing is facing intense backlash over her decision to support Republican Bruce Blakeman in New York’s gubernatorial race.
Messing, who has previously supported Democratic candidates including Joe Biden and Hillary Clinton, shared an Instagram statement Tuesday evening laying out her reasons for endorsing the Donald Trump-backed candidate.
“For years, my focus has been protecting choice and voting rights, passing the ERA, protecting the rights of the gay community, and keeping out children’s schools safe from gun violence. I still stand by every one of those principles. That hasn’t changed,” Messing wrote. “What has changed is how I feel about the city and state I love dearly.”
The Will & Grace star said that after voting for Governor Kathy Hochul four years ago, she had reflected on that decision ahead of the November election. “So I asked myself the question I’d encourage everyone to ask. Not: ‘Which party am I supposed to vote for?’ But: ‘Who do I believe will actually make life better for the people I love and the place I live?’”
For Messing, that person is Blakeman. “I don’t agree with him on everything, and I don’t expect to,” she wrote. “No candidate is perfect. But on the issues that are hurting New Yorkers right now, I believe he’s the right choice. Yes, he’s been endorsed by the President. That’s not what my vote is about.”
Messing turned off comments on her post — but that hasn’t stopped people from commenting on her statement online.
“Wait? What? When did she switch sides? Messing has always been a Democrat. Okay, what’s up? Is someone playing a joke?” one person wondered on X.
“She opened her mouth one too many time about gays, theys and MAGA. She went from a gay icon to Nicki Minaj overnight,” someone else chimed in.
“Surely I’ve ingested some drug accidentally because I swear I just read that Debra Messing is endorsing a Republican. Someone call an ambulance please,” another joked.
“Debra Messing voting R was not on my bingo card today, or any other day,” someone else wrote while another said, “This is the lowest an actor has ever sunk.”
“I'm so tired of being ashamed of all my faves from childhood,” another wrote, including Messing in a list.
Blakeman, for his part, put out a statement on X thanking Messing for her support. “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,” he wrote in part.
Messing — who is Jewish and a staunch advocate for Israel — has previously come under fire for her outspoken political views, notably during the 2025 New York City mayoral race when she shared a meme calling Zohran Mamdani an “America-hating jihadist.”
On social media, critics called out the “Islamophobic” nature of some of Messing's posts.
“The Debra Messing meltdown is in full swing. An embarrassing loser,” wrote one person on X alongside a screenshot of her Instagram Story.
