1. Arnold Schwarzenegger
Before he was “The Governator,” Arnold Schwarzenegger was a Hollywood action star with a knack for reinvention. In 2003, he ran for governor of California during the state’s recall election, promising to fix the budget crisis. His outsider appeal and celebrity charisma helped him win handily, and he served two terms. While his approval ratings dipped in later years, he left office in 2011 still a recognizable political figure.
After politics, Schwarzenegger returned to acting and environmental activism. He’s been outspoken about climate change and political reform, using his fame to amplify his causes. Though he’s ruled out running for president due to his Austrian birth, he hasn’t completely shut the door on public service. These days, he’s more likely to be found hosting a fitness summit than signing bills, but his political chapter remains one of the most high-profile celebrity runs in U.S. history.
2. Ronald Reagan
Long before becoming the 40th president, Ronald Reagan was known for his Hollywood acting career and presidency of the Screen Actors Guild. His political journey began with speeches supporting conservative causes in the early 1960s. He ran for governor of California in 1966, winning decisively and serving two terms. Reagan’s transition from movie star to political heavyweight was one of the most successful in American history.
After his gubernatorial stint, Reagan set his sights higher, running unsuccessfully for president in 1976 before winning in 1980. His two terms in the White House reshaped Republican politics and cemented his legacy as a conservative icon. He’s often cited as proof that a celebrity can have a serious, long-lasting impact in Washington. His success has inspired countless other famous faces to consider politics.
3. Sonny Bono
Best known as half of the pop duo Sonny & Cher, Sonny Bono wasn’t initially taken seriously as a political candidate. Frustrated with local bureaucracy, he ran for mayor of Palm Springs in 1988 and won. His popularity in that role led to a run for Congress, where he was elected in 1994 as a Republican representative for California’s 44th district. Bono focused on issues like copyright protection and local development.
Tragically, his political career was cut short when he died in a skiing accident in 1998. His wife, Mary Bono, succeeded him in Congress and served for over a decade. Sonny’s story remains a unique example of a celebrity who found genuine political success on both local and national levels. His legacy endures in Palm Springs, where his tenure is still fondly remembered.
4. Clint Eastwood
In 1986, legendary actor and director Clint Eastwood surprised many by running for mayor of Carmel-by-the-Sea, California. He launched his campaign partly because of frustrations with local regulations, like restrictions on ice cream stands. Eastwood won in a landslide and served a single two-year term. His tenure focused on making the town more business-friendly and promoting tourism.
After leaving office, Eastwood returned to filmmaking, winning Oscars and continuing his acting career. While he’s stayed politically engaged—endorsing candidates and speaking out on certain issues—he’s never sought public office again. His stint as mayor is remembered as a blend of pragmatism and charm. It’s also a favorite anecdote for those who like to imagine Dirty Harry debating zoning laws.
5. Cynthia Nixon
Sex and the City star Cynthia Nixon jumped into politics in 2018, challenging New York Governor Andrew Cuomo in the Democratic primary. Her campaign centered on progressive issues like education reform, housing, and public transit. While she garnered significant media attention and grassroots support, she ultimately lost the primary by a wide margin. Her run still sparked conversations about the Democratic Party’s direction.
After the race, Nixon returned to activism and acting. She’s been vocal on issues like LGBTQ+ rights and public school funding, continuing to use her platform for advocacy. Though she didn’t win, her campaign energized parts of the progressive movement in New York. It also showed that celebrity candidates can bring fresh attention to state-level races.
6. Jerry Springer
Before he became a household name for his outrageous daytime talk show, Jerry Springer had a background in politics. He served on Cincinnati’s city council in the 1970s and even became the city’s mayor in 1977. His political career hit a bump due to a scandal, but he regained his council seat before shifting to broadcasting. Decades later, he flirted with the idea of running for higher office but never followed through.
After his talk show fame, Springer often joked about his political past but occasionally expressed interest in returning. His mix of entertainment and politics made him a fascinating “what if” case. While his mayoral service was real, his later reputation overshadowed it. Still, his career arc remains one of the most unusual in American public life.
7. Al Franken
A Saturday Night Live writer and performer for years, Al Franken transitioned into political commentary before running for the U.S. Senate in Minnesota. His 2008 race was one of the closest in history, ultimately decided by just a few hundred votes after a recount. Franken served from 2009 until 2018, focusing on consumer protection and media regulation. He became known for his sharp questioning style in hearings.
His political career ended abruptly after multiple women accused him of inappropriate behavior, leading to his resignation. Since then, Franken has returned to media work and podcasting. His story is a reminder of how quickly fortunes can change in politics. It’s also a rare case of a comedy writer becoming a serious legislative voice—until controversy intervened.
8. Stacey Dash
Known for her role in the film Clueless, Stacey Dash made headlines in 2018 when she filed to run for Congress in California’s 44th district. Running as a Republican in a heavily Democratic area, her campaign faced steep odds. She withdrew after about a month, citing the need to protect her family from the rigors of political life. The bid was short-lived but widely covered in the press.
Since then, Dash has stepped back from politics, occasionally appearing in media to discuss her past views. She’s expressed regret over some of her more controversial statements during her political and pundit years. While her run was brief, it highlighted the challenges celebrities face when entering districts that don’t match their political alignment. It’s a cautionary tale of fame not always translating into votes.
9. Kanye West
In 2020, rapper and entrepreneur Kanye West announced his candidacy for president under the “Birthday Party” banner. His campaign was unconventional, with limited ballot access and a mix of policy ideas and performance art. He managed to get on the ballot in several states and received about 60,000 votes nationwide. The run was polarizing but undeniably attention-grabbing.
Afterward, West faced personal and public controversies that overshadowed his political ambitions. His flirtation with politics seems to have cooled, though he hasn’t ruled out trying again. Many saw his 2020 campaign as more of a cultural moment than a viable political movement. Still, it remains one of the most talked-about celebrity runs in recent memory.
10. Shirley Temple Black
The beloved child star of the 1930s, Shirley Temple Black turned to diplomacy and politics later in life. She ran unsuccessfully for Congress in California in 1967 as a Republican. Though she lost, the campaign marked the start of her significant diplomatic career. She served as U.S. ambassador to Ghana and later to Czechoslovakia.
Her transition from Hollywood to the State Department showed that public service could take many forms. Black earned respect in international circles for her professionalism and dedication. While her bid for Congress didn’t work out, she left an enduring mark through diplomacy. She’s a prime example of a celebrity finding a second act outside the spotlight.
11. Roseanne Barr
Comedian Roseanne Barr, famous for her groundbreaking sitcom, ran for president in 2012 under the Peace and Freedom Party. Her campaign platform leaned left, focusing on issues like ending wars and reforming the financial system. She won the party’s nomination and appeared on the ballot in several states. Ultimately, she received fewer than 70,000 votes.
Afterward, Barr returned to comedy but remained outspoken on political topics. Her public image took a major hit in 2018 after a controversial tweet led to the cancellation of her show’s reboot. Though her presidential run was more symbolic than competitive, it reflected her willingness to challenge political norms. It also added an unusual chapter to her already unpredictable career.
12. Kal Penn
Actor Kal Penn, known for the Harold & Kumar films, took a break from Hollywood to work in the Obama administration. While he didn’t run for office himself, he served as Associate Director in the White House Office of Public Engagement. In 2010, he left briefly to film a movie before returning to his government role. His work focused on youth engagement and public service initiatives.
Though he hasn’t launched his own campaign, Penn has been active in supporting Democratic candidates and causes. His experience in Washington gave him political credibility beyond his acting career. He’s hinted that he might consider running someday. For now, he bridges the worlds of entertainment and civic engagement with ease.
13. Melissa Gilbert
Best known for her role as Laura Ingalls Wilder on Little House on the Prairie, Melissa Gilbert ran for Congress in Michigan in 2016. She campaigned as a Democrat, focusing on infrastructure and healthcare issues. However, she withdrew from the race due to health concerns related to a past accident. The decision ended her bid before the general election.
After leaving the race, Gilbert moved to New York and returned to acting and writing. She’s continued to speak on social issues and occasionally comments on politics. While her congressional run was short, it showed her willingness to take a stand on policy matters. She remains beloved by fans for her decades of work in television and film.
14. Gary Coleman
Diff’rent Strokes star Gary Coleman made multiple attempts at political office, most famously running for governor of California in the 2003 recall election. His candidacy was partly tongue-in-cheek, drawing on his pop culture fame. While he didn’t come close to winning, his participation added to the surreal nature of that crowded race. Coleman finished eighth out of 135 candidates.
After the election, Coleman returned to occasional acting and public appearances. His political bid is remembered more for its novelty than any serious platform. Still, it’s part of California’s colorful political history. His run demonstrated how the recall election became a magnet for celebrity hopefuls of all stripes.
This post 14 Celebrities Who Tried to Run for Public Office and What Happened After was first published on American Charm.
