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Debra Messing defended her decision to support Trump-backed Republican Bruce Blakeman for governor of New York on Tuesday.
The “Will & Grace” actress wrote in a lengthy Instagram post that while she has been a Democrat her whole life and for years her focus has been on voting rights, the gay community and gun control, she is increasingly concerned about the quality of life in New York City.
“I still stand by every one of those principles,” the 58-year-old said, adding, “What has changed is how I feel about the city and state I love dearly.”
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Debra Messing has endorsed Bruce Blakeman for New York governor. (Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images)
In the past, Messing has supported candidates like former President Joe Biden, Hillary Clinton and Cynthia Nixon before she endorsed the Republican Nassau County executive. And she has frequently criticized President Donald Trump.
“I know I’m not someone choosing between rent and groceries. But many of the people who make New York what it is: small business owners, teachers, nurses, and young people trying to start their lives here, are struggling with the rising cost of living, and policies like congestion pricing are making it difficult to afford,” she wrote.
She said when the people who live in the city can’t afford to live there, “we risk losing part of what has long made New York an extraordinary place of opportunity.”
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Messing explained that she has also become “increasingly concerned about public safety,” saying that the “violence we see on our streets and subways frightens me.
Debra Messing explained she had decided to vote for a Republican because of her concerns about safety and affordability. (John Lamparski/Getty Images)
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Explaining that she voted for New York Gov. Kathy Hochul for years ago and recently reflected that she didn’t feel better off than she was four years ago, she said, “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?’”
She said for her, that was Bruce Blakeman because of his focus on affordability and safety. She noted that his campaign has said he’s pro-choice and supports gay rights.
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Bruce Blakeman has been endorsed by President Donald Trump. (Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)
“I don’t agree with him on everything, and I don’t expect to,” she continued. “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.”
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Messing went on to say that she doesn’t believe party affiliation should “determine every vote I cast.”
Debra Messing attends a Get Out the Vote canvass launch to encourage voters to cast their ballots for the Biden-Harris ticket in 2020. (Gilbert Carrasquillo/Getty Images)
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“I’m making this decision based on my own conscience and priorities,” she added.
