10 Celebrities Who Ran for Political Office

When Celebrities Run for Office: 10 Famous Figures Who Entered the Political Arena

From Hollywood glitz to political grit, some celebrities have traded the entertainment world for the campaign trail, hoping to make a mark on the political stage. While the transition from star to statesman isn’t easy, these public figures brought unique perspectives, personal causes, and no small amount of media attention to their campaigns. Here’s a look at some high-profile personalities who took the leap into politics—and some who even scored a win.

1. Kanye West: Presidential Bid in 2020

Kanye West’s 2020 run for the U.S. presidency shocked fans and political pundits alike. The Grammy-winning rapper, producer, and entrepreneur announced his intentions on July 4, 2020, tweeting, “We must now realize the promise of America by trusting God, unifying our vision and building our future. I am running for president of the United States!” Dubbed the “Birthday Party” ticket, his campaign was centered around faith and social issues, though his lack of political experience raised questions.

Despite investing millions and hosting controversial campaign events, Kanye only appeared on the ballot in a handful of states. He garnered around 60,000 votes, leading to a quick end for his presidential aspirations. Nevertheless, his bid highlighted his continued interest in using his platform for larger, often polarizing social causes, which include mental health awareness, prison reform, and criminal justice.

2. Clint Eastwood: Mayor of Carmel-by-the-Sea, California

Known for his iconic roles in Westerns and thrillers, Clint Eastwood added “mayor” to his résumé in 1986 when he successfully ran for office in the small town of Carmel-by-the-Sea. Frustrated with local politics, Eastwood’s bid was a response to the town’s restrictive policies on local businesses. Eastwood won by a landslide and served from 1986 to 1988, instituting changes that relaxed business regulations, improved public facilities, and opened up beaches to the public.

Since his brief political stint, Eastwood has continued to advocate for libertarian principles, often speaking out on individual rights and government transparency. His experience as a mayor reflected his pragmatic approach, prioritizing economic growth and access to community resources.

3. Caitlyn Jenner: California Gubernatorial Candidate in 2021

Caitlyn Jenner, Olympic champion and reality star, entered California’s political fray in April 2021 during a recall election targeting Governor Gavin Newsom. A registered Republican, Jenner campaigned on a platform of economic reform, opposing California’s high taxes and regulations that she argued were stifling small businesses.

While her star power brought significant attention to her campaign, Jenner faced challenges resonating with voters, ultimately securing only about 1% of the vote. Her stance on issues such as homelessness and law enforcement drew both support and criticism, showcasing the complexities of balancing fame with a political message.

4. Ben Savage: West Hollywood City Council and U.S. Congress Candidate

Ben Savage, best known as Cory Matthews on Boy Meets World, ventured into politics with a 2022 bid for a seat on the West Hollywood City Council. His campaign emphasized public safety, affordable housing, and responsible development to address local concerns. Though Savage finished ninth, his passion for public service persisted, and in 2023 he announced a bid for California’s 30th Congressional District, currently held by Rep. Adam Schiff.

Savage’s transition from TV to the political arena highlights his long-term commitment to public issues, particularly housing and safety—a pressing concern in many Californian cities. His congressional bid has garnered attention as voters consider how his perspective might shape his policies at the national level.

5. Jerry Springer: Mayor of Cincinnati and Early Political Career

Before The Jerry Springer Show, Jerry Springer’s career started in politics. After an unsuccessful bid for Congress in 1970, Springer served as mayor of Cincinnati from 1977 to 1978. During his tenure, he focused on social issues, including racial integration and affordable housing. His political career hit a roadblock due to a personal scandal but eventually rebounded, leading him to the broadcast journalism and talk show world.

Springer’s time as mayor and his commitment to public service stayed with him, shaping his approach to the media. Known for his “everyman” perspective, Springer’s influence on pop culture and politics extended well beyond his term in office.

6. Stacey Dash: California Congressional Run in 2018

Actress Stacey Dash, best known for her role in Clueless, set her sights on Congress in 2018, running as a Republican candidate in California’s 44th district. Dash’s campaign centered around conservative principles and her views on crime, immigration, and education. Her political messaging was bold and controversial, famously stating that people need to “put up or shut up.”

While her campaign only lasted a month, Dash’s foray into politics marked an ongoing trend of entertainment figures advocating for their beliefs in the public eye, even if they don’t end up on the ballot.

7. Arnold Schwarzenegger: Governor of California

Arnold Schwarzenegger’s leap from Hollywood action star to Governor of California in 2003 remains one of the most successful celebrity political careers. Known worldwide as “The Terminator,” Schwarzenegger won California’s gubernatorial recall election by a wide margin and served two terms, focusing on environmental issues, economic reform, and infrastructure development.

Schwarzenegger’s popularity helped him achieve bipartisan support, allowing him to enact various initiatives, particularly in renewable energy. He remains an influential figure in U.S. politics, often speaking on climate change and clean energy even after leaving office in 2011.

Related: The Celebrities Who Said They’d Leave the U.S. if Donald Trump Won the Presidency Again

8. Howard Stern: Brief Run for New York Governor in 1994

Shock jock and radio personality Howard Stern made headlines in 1994 when he announced his candidacy for Governor of New York. Running on the Libertarian ticket, Stern’s platform included reinstating the death penalty, removing highway tolls, and limiting roadwork to nighttime hours. However, he dropped out after refusing to disclose his finances.

While short-lived, Stern’s campaign drew attention to New York’s political climate and Libertarian policies, demonstrating the impact media personalities can have in stirring public discussion on specific issues, even without taking office.

9. Cynthia Nixon: Governor of New York Candidate in 2018

Cynthia Nixon, star of Sex and the City, entered New York politics in 2018, challenging incumbent Governor Andrew Cuomo in the Democratic primary. Nixon’s campaign focused on progressive causes, including income inequality, education reform, and healthcare. As an advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and public schools, she mobilized a passionate base but ultimately lost the nomination to Cuomo.

Though her bid was unsuccessful, Nixon’s candidacy spurred a progressive movement in New York politics, with her advocacy influencing discussions around affordable housing and healthcare in the state.

10. Wyclef Jean: Presidential Bid in Haiti

In 2010, Fugees co-founder and Grammy-winning artist Wyclef Jean sought to run for president of Haiti, his home country. Jean’s campaign highlighted a commitment to rebuilding Haiti after a devastating earthquake, focusing on economic development and infrastructure. Unfortunately, he was disqualified by Haiti’s electoral council, as candidates must reside in the country for five consecutive years before running.

Despite his disqualification, Jean’s advocacy for Haiti has continued, drawing international attention to the country’s needs and sparking discussions on how diaspora members can contribute to political and social change in their native countries.

The Growing Trend of Celebrity Politicians

The appeal of celebrity politicians stems from their established platforms, influence, and ability to mobilize large audiences. However, transitioning from entertainment to politics requires navigating a new set of challenges, including policy complexities, public scrutiny, and accountability. For some, like Schwarzenegger and Eastwood, the transition was relatively smooth, leading to impactful terms in office. For others, like Kanye West and Howard Stern, political campaigns were short-lived but memorable, showcasing the diversity of perspectives in modern politics.

As more public figures consider the leap into politics, their success will likely depend on whether they can shift from celebrity appeal to substantive leadership. This trend reflects a unique intersection between popular culture and governance, with each new celebrity candidate shaping the way the public views politics and potential leaders.