Debra Messing sparks outrage after endorsing Trump-backed Republican for New York Governor... after decades as a devout Democrat

Debra Messing has received quite a bit of backlash for supporting the Trump-backed Republican candidate for New York Governor despite decades of being a devout Democrat.

The 58-year-old Will & Grace star met up with a member of the GOP, Bruce Blakeman, to reveal public support for him  just weeks before his showdown with Democratic incumbent Kathy Hochul in the 2026 election.

This may seem like a surprising move as Messing has famously been anti-Donald Trump and even supported Democrats Hilary Clinton, Joe Biden, and Kamala Harris during their presidential campaigns against him.

Then on Tuesday, the actress wrote a lengthy statement posted on her Instagram to explain her reasoning behind the move as she said that she was worried about affordability and is 'frightened' by violence on the streets and subways of New York City.

Messing said: 'For years, my focus has been protecting choice and voting rights, passing the ERA, protecting the rights of the gay community, and keeping our children’s schools safe from gun violence. 

'I still stand by every one of those principles. That hasn’t changed. What has changed is how I feel about the city and state I love dearly.'

The proud Jewish star went on to talk about how she is concerned about safety including during worship. 

She continued: 'I have also become increasingly concerned about public safety. The violence we see on our streets and subways frightens me.

'Houses of worship are no longer places where everyone can simply assume they will be safe. My own was violated by violence in the middle of a Shabbat service, and the level of security we now need simply to pray does not feel normal to me.' 

Messing continued by revealing that she had voted for incumbent Hochul four years ago but her priorities have changed ahead of next month's election.

She wrote: '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?"'

Then she went on to give her rationale for putting her support behind candidate Blakeman despite them not seeing eye-to-eye on several issues.

Messing explained: 'I don’t agree with him on everything, and I don’t expect to. 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.'

Seemingly fearing backlash, Messing decided to not allow comments on her recent political post, however, that did not stop online discourse.

A user on X wrote: 'What has happened to Debra Messing?'

Several took to the replies of that post as one wrote: 'She shifted her career to human rights around October 7th and has been a huge advocate against antisemitism. She also says she is anti-zionist but i doubt that since she said she feels safest in Israel and she's been there multiple times.Shes a big voice for Jewish sympathy'

US President Donald Trump has endorsed Blakeman and will host a campaign rally for the gubernatorial hopeful in Syracuse on Friday. 

'She opened her mouth one too many time about gays, theys and MAGA. She went from a gay icon to Nicki Minaj overnight. [tomato emoji]' another said while a different user added: 'She puttin the Mess In Messing.'

As alluded to in one of the comments, prior to the October 7 Hamas terror attacks on this day three years ago, Messing was known as an outspoken liberal and anti-Trump activist. 

She actively campaigned for Joe Biden and Kamala Harris, and in 2017 she was honored with the Excellence in Media Award by GLAAD (Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation).

However, she has changed her tune in recent years as her passion for supporting Israel has increased. 

In addition to being slammed by social media users, some of Messing's Hollywood pals have turned on her over her staunch support of Israel during the ongoing war in Gaza.

Last year, Marcia Cross called out Messing in a since-deleted comment, writing, 'Deb, it's a genocide. 

'I know you thought or think you're doing the right thing... but it just is not. Please lead others with the truth. You can do it.'

Alyssa Milano has also called Messing out on Instagram.

However, others came to the defense of the Emmy award-winning sitcom star.

'Glad to see she finally came to her senses,' one supporter wrote.

'Good for her. Good for Debra Messing,' another added.

Messing was once known for her progressive views and became a gay icon thanks to her role on Will & Grace.