By now, you’ve probably heard the news that Kanye West is running for president — because what 2020 really needed was a last-minute twist to shake things up, right? But while West may be known for his shocking disruptions when it comes to music and fashion, his latest antic isn’t quite so unique. West is far from the first celebrity to try his hand at becoming a politician, with stars like Arnold Schwarzenegger, Cynthia Nixon, and even Bachelor alum Ben Higgins paving the way when it comes to running for office.
While being famous definitely gives you an initial leg-up in terms of media attention, actors and other entertainers haven’t always fared so well in the political spotlight — late President Ronald Reagan notwithstanding. From building approvals to publicity stunts, the reasons why a celebrity might run for office are far and wide, and the history of celebrity candidates is an interesting lesson in what happens when Hollywood stars get into politics. One thing seems clear: the job of mayor is a popular pick for A-list talent, with Jerry Springer, Sonny Bono, Jesse Ventura, and Clint Eastwood all serving as mayor of their respective cities.
Since West’s announcement, many have decried his presidential run as a distraction from serious issues or a staged attempt to create media frenzy ahead of his new album release. So while West’s candidacy may feel like the last thing 2020 needs, plenty of other celebs have had West’s same idea yet ultimately decided to make their campaigns short-lived.
Here are all the celebrities who have run for office in the US.
A version of this article was originally published in July 2020.
Caitlyn Jenner
During the 2021 gubernatorial recall election in California, Caitlyn Jenner placed her bid to replace Governor Gavin Newsom, a democrat. Jenner ran as a Republican during her campaign, but failed to get the support of prominent members of the state’s republican party as well as support from the LGBTQIA+ community. Jenner’s run, however, gave the former reality TV star a lot of free publicity, as noted by the Los Angeles Times.
Dr. Oz
In late November 2021, reports began to surface that Dr. Mehmet Oz was planning to run for Pennsylanvia’s U.S. Senate seat. According to The Philadelphia Inquirer, Dr. Oz already hired some top campaign aides and even reached out to Republican leaders in the state.
Kanye West
On July 4, 2020, Kanye West announced his run for 2020 president. “We must now realize the promise of America by trusting God, unifying our vision and building our future,” he wrote on Twitter. “I am running for president of the United States.”
Clint Eastwood
In 1986, Clint Eastwood launched a campaign to become the mayor of Carmel, California. He won the election and served for two years.
Cynthia Nixon
In 2018, Sex and the City star Cynthia Nixon announced she was running for governor of New York. She lost to incumbent Andrew Cuomo.
Howard Stern
Howard Stern ran a Libertarian campaign for Governor of New York in 1994. His campaign was cut short when he refused to release personal financial information.
Roseanne Barr
Two election cycles back in 2012, comedian Roseanne Barr decided to run for president of the United States, highlighting issues like environmental protection and marijuana legalization. She ultimately came in sixth.
Shirley Temple Black
Child star no more, Shirley Temple grew into a woman of political ambitions. In 1967, she ran for Congress in the California Republican primary, but didn’t quite make it to the general election.
Arnold Schwarzenegger
Arnold Schwarzenegger was elected the governor of California on 2003, and won re-election in 2006. He served until 2011.
Ben Higgins
Bachelor alum Ben Higgins filed the paperwork to run for a seat in the Colorado House of Representatives in 2016, but dropped out almost immediately due to “unforeseen circumstances.”
Stacey Dash
In 2018, Clueless star Stacey Dash announced she was running for Congress in California, and was quickly met with a wave of backlash. Dash withdrew from the race, citing her concern for her family’s health and safety.
Clay Aiken
American Idol star Clay Aiken ran for Congress in North Carolina in 2014, but lost to the Republican incumbent.
Al Franken
This SNL alum was elected Senator of Minnesota in 2009, and won re-election in 2014. But he cut his stay short in 2018 following a series of sexual misconduct allegations.
Diane Neal
Law & Order: SVU’s Diane Neal dipped her toe in the real-life legal pond with a 2018 run for Congress as part of the Independent party. She ultimately lost to Antonio Delgado.
Jerry Springer
Talk show host Jerry Springer took two tries at running for office. In 1970, he ran for Congress and lost, but in 1977, he won the Cincinnati mayoral seat, and served until 1978.
Jess Ventura
Professional wrestler Jesse Ventura may be better known as a Minnesota politician at this point, having served both as mayor and as governor as a member of the Reform party.
Kid Rock
In July 2017, the “Kid Rock for Senate” site set the internet ablaze — but he later confirmed it was just a publicity stunt for an upcoming album.
Wyclef Jean
Inspired to action by the devastation of the 2010 Haiti earthquake, Wyclef Jean put his own name in the ring for the Haitian presidency — but ultimately didn’t meet the residency requirements to run.
Fred Thompson
Law & Order regular Fred Thompson was elected Senator of Tennessee in 1994, and served until 2003.
Manny Pacquiao
Star boxer Manny Pacquiao is as intimidating politically as he is physically — running a successful senatorial campaign in the Philippines in 2016. Some believe he’ll make a presidential run next.
Ronald Reagan
Now remembered for his term as president, Ronald Reagan was once a well-known actor. Before his White House term, Reagan also served as governor of California from 1967 to 1975.
Melissa Gilbert
Little House on the Prairie’s Melissa Gilbert launched a congressional run in Michigan during 2015, but dropped out due to personal injuries that rendered her “physically unable” to continue the campaign.
Sonny Bono
Sonny Bono (of Sonny and Cher) took a break from entertaining in 1988 and ran for mayor of Palm Springs, winning handily. In 1994, he began his term as a California congressman.
Sean Duffy
From Real World to Congress, a true American success story. Former reality star Sean Duffy became the district attorney of Ashland County, Wisconsin in 2002, and currently serves as a member of Congress.
Glenn Jacobs
WWE star Glenn Jacobs took a liking to the title of mayor too and successfully won election as mayor in Knox County, Tennessee in 2017.
Antonio Sabato Jr.
Soap opera star Antonio Sabato Jr. ran for election in 2018 for a seat in congress, but lost to Julia Brownley.
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