From Fame to Politics

Politics often resembles a popularity contest, making it unsurprising that many celebrities have attempted to leverage their fame for political influence.

Global Phenomenon

This trend is not limited to the United States. Worldwide, entertainers, athletes, and media figures have sought political roles to enact change or redefine their public personas.

Notable Celebrity Political Campaigns

1. Donald Trump – The former reality TV host and real estate mogul became the 45th U.S. President after a historic 2015 election win against Hillary Clinton, despite losing the popular vote.
2. Ronald Reagan – Before his presidency, Reagan was a Hollywood actor who successfully ran for Governor of California in 1966, setting the stage for his presidency in 1980.
3. Cynthia Nixon – Known for her role in “Sex and the City,” Nixon ran for Governor of New York in 2018, influencing progressive policy discussions despite losing to Andrew Cuomo.
4. Kanye West – Announced his presidential candidacy in 2020 under the Birthday Party, but only appeared on 12 state ballots, receiving 60,000 votes.
5. Herschel Walker – The former NFL star ran for the U.S. Senate in Georgia in 2022 but was defeated by Raphael Warnock. He was later appointed U.S. Ambassador to the Bahamas.
6. Melissa Gilbert – The “Little House On The Prairie” actress ran for Congress in 2015 but withdrew due to health issues.
7. Dr. Oz – Ran for the U.S. Senate in Pennsylvania in 2022 as a Republican but lost to John Fetterman.
8. Clay Aiken – The “American Idol” runner-up ran for Congress in North Carolina in 2014 and 2022, losing both times.
9. Jesse Ventura – Transitioned from wrestling to politics, serving as Mayor of Brooklyn Park and Governor of Minnesota.
10. Volodymyr Zelensky – The comedian turned politician became Ukraine’s president in 2019, leading the country through conflict with Russia.
11. Manny Pacquiao – The boxing legend served in the Philippine House and Senate before an unsuccessful presidential bid in 2022.
12. Wyclef Jean – Attempted to run for Haiti’s presidency in 2010 but was disqualified due to residency requirements.
13. Ilona “Cicciolina” Staller – The former adult film star was elected to Italy’s Parliament in 1987 and founded the Love Party in 1991.
14. Shyne (Moses Michael Levi Barrow) – The rapper turned politician was elected to Belize’s House of Representatives in 2020 but lost his seat in 2025.
15. Roseanne Barr – Ran for president in 2012 on the Peace & Freedom Party ticket, advocating for healthcare and cannabis legalization.
16. Shirley Temple Black – The former child star ran for Congress in California in 1967.
17. Caitlyn Jenner – Announced a gubernatorial run in California in 2021 but secured only 1.1% of the vote.
18. Jerry Springer – The talk show host served on Cincinnati’s City Council and as the city’s mayor.