Lights, Camera, Action… and Political Disaster: 8 Celebs Who Tried for Office (and Failed Miserably)

The allure of politics, much like the bright lights of Hollywood, can be incredibly strong for public figures. We’ve seen notable successes, like Ronald Reagan, who transitioned from acting to the presidency, or Arnold Schwarzenegger, who became California’s “Governator.” These stories often fuel the ambition of other celebrities who believe their fame, charisma, and public platform can translate into effective leadership and a successful political career.

However, the political stage is a vastly different beast from a film set or a concert hall. It demands a unique blend of policy knowledge, unwavering public support, strategic campaigning, and a thick skin against relentless scrutiny. Many celebrities, despite their widespread recognition and genuine intentions, have found this transition to be far more challenging and less forgiving than they initially anticipated.

In this in-depth article, we’ll take a fascinating look at some of these attempts – the bold declarations, the hopeful campaigns, and ultimately, the often-ignominious failures. These are the stories of famous faces who tried to trade the glitz of their existing careers for the gravitas of public office, only to discover that public affairs just weren’t for them. Let’s delve into the initial four of these intriguing cases.

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1. **Ben Higgins**Ben Higgins first captured national attention as the charming lead of ABC’s popular reality show, “The Bachelor.” His persona as a good-natured, earnest individual made him a fan favorite, and his post-show career saw him remain in the public eye. It seemed a natural progression, then, when in 2016, Higgins announced his intention to run for the U.S. House of Representatives.

He aimed for a congressional seat, a significant jump from reality television. This move signaled a serious desire to engage in public service beyond the entertainment sphere. The initial buzz around his candidacy was considerable, leveraging his existing celebrity to gain immediate media attention and, presumably, a base of support from his fans.

However, Higgins’s political aspirations were short-lived and ended abruptly. He withdrew his candidacy before even making it to the elections. In a statement reported by ABC News, Higgins expressed regret, stating, “I regret that I must withdraw my candidacy. Despite my best efforts to pursue this opportunity in good faith, I recently received information that has made such a pursuit unworkable.”

While he never publicly disclosed the specific “information” that led to his withdrawal, his statement underscored the unforeseen complexities and challenges inherent in a political campaign. It highlighted that even well-meaning celebrity candidates can encounter insurmountable obstacles that quickly derail their ambitions, sometimes before their campaign truly even begins.

Higgins’s brief foray into politics serves as a stark reminder that the journey from celebrity endorsement to political office is fraught with unexpected pitfalls. It suggests that the demands and disclosures of a serious political bid can be far more intense and personal than the public facade of a reality television star. For Higgins, the political stage proved to be a fleeting and ultimately unworkable venture.

2. **Caitlyn Jenner**In April 2021, Caitlyn Jenner, an Olympic gold medalist and reality television star, made a high-profile announcement: she was throwing her hat into the ring for governor of California. Her campaign aimed to unseat the incumbent, Gavin Newsom, and she framed her run as an opportunity to turn California around, appealing to her long history in the state, as CNN reported.

Jenner, identifying as a Republican, shared her personal connection to California, stating, “California has been my home for nearly 50 years. I came here because I knew that anyone, regardless of their background or station in life, could turn their dreams into reality.” This sentiment aimed to resonate with voters who might have felt disenfranchised or hopeful for a new direction in the Golden State.

Despite her considerable celebrity status and a platform that promised change, Jenner’s gubernatorial bid was met with overwhelming defeat. She garnered a mere 1% of the votes, while Governor Newsom secured over five million votes in the recall election, as reported by People. Her post-election reaction, grumbling, “I can’t believe that this many people actually voted to keep him in office,” reflected her frustration and perhaps a misjudgment of the electorate’s sentiment.

A significant factor in Jenner’s dismal performance was a notable lack of support from the LGBTQ+ community, despite her own transgender identity. Many within the community felt that her conservative political views did not align with their interests. Equality California explicitly tweeted after her announcement, “Make no mistake: we can’t wait to elect a #trans governor of California. But [Jenner] spent years telling the #LGBTQ+ community to trust Donald Trump. We saw how that turned out. Now she wants us to trust her? Hard pass.”

Beyond ideological alignment, her campaign itself was criticized for its perceived lack of seriousness. Ron Nehring, a former chair of the California Republican Party, told the Los Angeles Times that “Jenner’s catastrophic performances in interviews reflected a lack of seriousness.” This suggests that the blend of celebrity and political seriousness did not quite gel for voters, ultimately proving that fame alone is insufficient for political success.

3. **Stacey Dash**Stacey Dash, widely recognizable as the lovable Dionne from the iconic film “Clueless,” ventured into the political landscape after becoming a controversial figure for her outspoken conservative political views. She frequently shared these opinions as a commentator on “Fox News,” which had already begun to shift public perception of her from actress to political pundit.

In February 2018, Dash hinted at her political ambitions on Twitter, soliciting feedback from her online community about a potential run for office. She tweeted, “A number of people online and off have suggested I run for political office. I wanted to see what my online community thinks of this idea as I mull the possibilities. Thoughts?” This engagement suggested a genuine consideration of a political career.

Later that same month, Dash officially entered the race for Congress in California’s District 44, as reported by ABC News. Her formal entry signified a serious commitment to move beyond commentary and actively participate in the legislative process. She expressed an intention to address pressing issues within the district where she resided, aiming to make a tangible difference on a national level.

However, much like her controversial commentary, her political bid quickly took a turn. Not long after announcing her candidacy, Dash withdrew from the race. Her statement, conveyed via CNN, offered a candid explanation: “At this point, I believe that the overall bitterness surrounding our political process, participating in the rigors of campaigning, and holding elected office would be detrimental to the health and well-being of my family.”

Dash’s decision underscored the immense personal toll and the often-toxic environment of political campaigning. It showed that the intense scrutiny, public acrimony, and demanding nature of a political career can deter even those with strong convictions. Since then, Dash has largely stepped away from politics, even telling the Daily Mail that she no longer supports Donald Trump, marking a significant shift from her previous outspoken stance.

4. **Steve Lodge**Steve Lodge first gained public recognition through his relationship with Vicki Gunvalson, a prominent star on “The Real Housewives of Orange County.” Their romance made him a familiar face to reality TV viewers, and for a while, fans of Gunvalson were hopeful about their relationship. Beyond his reality TV connection, Lodge had a background as a former detective, which he likely believed would lend credibility to a political career.

In June 2021, with Gunvalson’s support, Lodge publicly announced his intention to run for Governor of California on Instagram. He expressed a deep connection to the state, stating, “I am officially announcing that I am running for GOVERNOR of California. I was born and raised in California and spent my adult life here, it was a time when people still called California the Golden State.” His message aimed to tap into nostalgia and a desire for California’s former glory.

Despite the public backing of a reality TV personality and his own appeal to state pride, Lodge’s gubernatorial campaign ended in a resounding failure. In the 2021 race, he received a mere 0.2% of the votes, as reported by The New York Times. His political aspirations, much like his relationship with Gunvalson, dramatically flopped, indicating a significant disconnect between celebrity visibility and electoral success.

Adding to the narrative of his political downfall, Lodge broke up with Gunvalson shortly after his loss. This timing fueled speculation among fans that his relationship with the reality star might have been strategically utilized to gain publicity and votes for his campaign. A Reddit user succinctly captured this sentiment, posting, “This was never a real relationship. The breakup is BS. I firmly believed they had a mutual arrangement where he played her BF and she helped him get publicity for his ‘political’ career.”

Lodge quickly moved on from both his political bid and his relationship, marrying Janis Carlson less than a year later. There has been no indication of him running for office again since. His story serves as a cautionary tale, suggesting that attempts to leverage celebrity connections for political gain often prove transparent and ultimately unsuccessful, leading to a quick retreat from the challenging world of politics.

Kanye Interrupts Taylor Swift’s Award Speech — Kanye West — Martin Schoeller, Photo by cargo.site, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

5. **Kanye West**Okay, picture this: it’s the 2015 MTV Video Music Awards, Kanye “Ye” West is on stage, mic in hand, and as always, you have absolutely no idea what’s coming next. In true Ye fashion, amidst a characteristically sprawling and unforgettable acceptance speech, he casually dropped a bombshell that sent shockwaves through the entertainment world and, well, everywhere else: he was running for President in 2020. You couldn’t make this stuff up! Who else but Kanye would choose the VMAs to announce a bid for the highest office in the land? It was a moment of pure, unadulterated celebrity audacity that instantly became meme-worthy and solidified his status as an unpredictable cultural force.

Fast forward to 2020, and despite the whirlwind of the actual election year, Ye somehow managed to make good on his promise – kind of. He launched his campaign, though not without its fair share of hiccups, like missing crucial registration deadlines in several states. But that didn’t stop him! He proudly christened his political endeavor “The Birthday Party,” and his campaign slogan was as succinct and impactful as a Yeezy drop: “YES!” It was less about traditional political rallies and more about performance art, a platform that seemed to be built on vibes, raw emotion, and a vision that only Ye himself could truly articulate.

His approach to governance, naturally, strayed far from conventional political discourse. When asked about his “policy,” he gave an answer that perfectly encapsulated his artistic, design-first mindset. He shared in an interview, “I don’t know if I would use the word ‘policy’ for the way I would approach things. I [didn’t] have a policy when I went to Nike and designed Yeezy and went to Louis and designed a Louis Vuitton at the same time. It wasn’t a policy, it was a design.” This wasn’t about legislation or bipartisan consensus; it was about reimagining the presidency as a creative project, much like one of his groundbreaking fashion or music ventures. It might be brilliant for album art, but for running a country? That’s a whole different kind of canvas.

Despite his immense cultural influence and widespread recognition, the votes simply didn’t materialize in the way he might have “designed.” West garnered a modest, almost shockingly low, 60,000 votes across the entire country. For someone who commands millions of followers and dominates headlines, it was a stark reminder that translating celebrity wattage into political power is no easy feat. Ever the visionary, or perhaps just eternally optimistic, he quickly announced his intention to run again in 2024. However, in a rare moment of practical reality, his lawyer later clarified to Rolling Stone that “He’s not a candidate for office in 2024,” effectively putting an end to “The Birthday Party” sequel. His foray into politics was certainly a spectacle, proving that even the biggest stars can find the political stage a tough audience.

6. **Howard Stern**Before he settled into his current role as a more introspective and revealing interviewer, radio legend Howard Stern embarked on a surprisingly serious, albeit brief, political adventure. This was back in 1994, and his target? The Governor’s mansion of New York! It was a move that genuinely caught many off guard, not least because the “King of All Media” actually appeared to have a legitimate shot at winning the office. Can you even imagine the campaign ads or the debates? Pure gold, we tell you.

Stern officially entered the race, riding on the coattails of the Libertarian Party. He stood before a crowd, declaring his commitment to the campaign with that signature blend of earnestness and irreverence we’ve all come to expect. “For any of you who had doubts about me. I am dead serious about running. I’m in this to win,” he proclaimed. But, of course, this is Howard Stern we’re talking about, so he couldn’t resist a classic, provocative jab: “As I look out on this shining crowd and see all your beautiful faces, I have only one thing to say: It’s amazing they let you people vote.” That’s the kind of unfiltered honesty, or bluntness, that defined his on-air persona, and apparently, his political one too.

However, the serious world of politics operates under rules that are quite different from the anything-goes environment of his radio show. One significant hurdle quickly emerged: the requirement for candidates to publicly disclose their personal finances. This was a line that Stern, a man famous for coaxing the most intimate details out of celebrities, simply wasn’t willing to cross himself. Throughout his career, he had always maintained a fiercely private stance on his own wealth, seeing it as something entirely separate from his public persona.

As The New York Times vividly reported, the radio personality ultimately decided to withdraw from the race, explaining his reasoning directly to his audience on his show. He declared, “I’ve been telling you about myself since the first day I started broadcasting, there’s only one fact I never revealed. I never told you how much money I made, I never told you how much money I have in the bank. And the reason I never told you how much money I have in the bank is because it’s none of your business.” It was a powerful statement about personal privacy, but it also unequivocally spelled the end of his gubernatorial ambitions. His brief, unforgettable foray into politics proved that while Howard Stern might have no problem getting others to spill, he wasn’t about to do the same for his own bank account. Lesson learned: some secrets are worth more than political office!

7. **Roseanne Barr**Ah, Roseanne Barr, a sitcom icon whose career has always been a fascinating blend of groundbreaking humor and headline-grabbing controversy. Let’s not forget that infamous, truly unforgettable rendition of the “Star Spangled Banner” in 1990 that, shall we say, did not receive rave reviews. So, when she announced her intention to run for the presidency in 2011, many saw it as just another Roseanne spectacle, albeit one on a national, political stage. It was certainly going to be an uphill battle, but then again, “conventional” has never been a word associated with Roseanne.

Her campaign platform, as articulated during an appearance on “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno,” was as unique and unfiltered as the comedian herself. “I’m not for either party because they both suck and they’re both a bunch of criminals,” she declared with her signature bluntness. Instead, she announced, “so I made up my own party — it’s America’s Green Tea Party.” Her goals as “prez” were equally revolutionary: she aimed to legalize marijuana across the board and, perhaps even more ambitiously, completely abolish the U.S. monetary system. Her vision of a post-currency America? “Everything will be based on barter and growing and eating vegetables,” she cheerfully revealed. Seriously, a nation of gardeners and traders!

As her campaign evolved, Barr later changed her party’s name to the more encompassing “Peace and Freedom Party,” teaming up with activist Cindy Sheehan as her running mate. Her message to the American electorate was passionate, direct, and designed to resonate with those feeling disenfranchised by mainstream politics. “The American people are sick and tired of this ‘lesser evil’ garbage they get fed every election year,” she asserted, tapping into a common sentiment of voter frustration. She implored voters to “register in the Peace and Freedom Party and vote for me and Cindy” if they, too, were fed up with the perceived failings of the two dominant political parties.

Despite her fervent appeals and undeniably distinctive policy proposals, Barr’s presidential bid ultimately resulted in a distant sixth-place finish. While her campaign certainly provided plenty of fodder for late-night talk shows and added another colorful, eccentric chapter to her storied public life, it became clear that her unique brand of celebrity charm and radical ideas wasn’t enough to sway the broader electorate. President Barack Obama secured his second term, and, perhaps surprisingly to some, the U.S. monetary system remained stubbornly in place. Her political journey was a memorable one, demonstrating that while a famous face and a big personality can grab attention, converting that into actual votes for president is a whole different ballgame.

8. **Jack Ryan**In the unpredictable intersection where celebrity influence meets political ambition, Jack Ryan’s 2004 Senate campaign in Illinois serves as a compelling and ultimately cautionary tale. He was initially pegged as a strong contender, virtually a shoe-in for the seat, particularly against a relatively unknown state senator who would later become a global figure: Barack Obama. It’s truly wild to think how a single political campaign, and its dramatic unraveling, could have such profound implications for American history!

Ryan, a former investment banker, certainly benefited from a degree of public recognition due to his previous marriage to Jeri Ryan, the beloved “Star Trek” actress. This celebrity connection offered him an immediate leg up, providing a level of visibility and intrigue that many political newcomers could only dream of. His campaign gained considerable traction, and he was widely viewed as the frontrunner, embodying the kind of fresh, outsider persona that often appeals to voters hungry for change. Everything seemed to be falling into place for a successful transition from private life to public service.

However, the political landscape shifted seismically when sealed documents from his contentious divorce case with Jeri Ryan were, through legal challenges and media pressure, ultimately made public. These documents contained astonishing and deeply personal claims from Jeri, alleging that Jack had pressured her to engage in acts in various clubs while others watched. The graphic nature of these allegations created an immediate and undeniable media frenzy, painting a starkly different picture of the candidate than the wholesome image his campaign had carefully cultivated.

The ensuing controversy quickly became a relentless distraction, a relentless wave of negative press that completely engulfed his campaign. It made it virtually impossible for Ryan to focus on his policy positions or connect with voters on substantive issues, as every appearance was dominated by questions about his personal life. Facing an untenable situation where his political future seemed irrevocably compromised, Ryan made the difficult decision to withdraw his candidacy. This dramatic departure left a wide-open path for his opponent, Barack Obama, who went on to win the election and, as we all now know, eventually ascended to the presidency of the United States. Talk about a campaign withdrawal with colossal, unforeseen consequences!

With his political aspirations abruptly shattered, Jack Ryan made a definitive exit from the world of public service. He pivoted his career entirely, choosing to channel his energies into establishing and developing a media company. His story stands as a powerful testament to the unforgiving nature of the political spotlight, illustrating how deeply personal details, even from a long-past marriage, can have devastating, career-ending consequences. It underscores the unique vulnerability celebrities and those connected to them face when daring to enter the intensely scrutinized realm of politics, forever altering their professional trajectories and, sometimes, even the course of national history.

So there you have it, folks – a fascinating, and at times, absolutely wild look at more celebrities who dared to dream of a political career, only to find the reality of public office a far cry from their red-carpet comfort zones. From unexpected withdrawals and truly head-scratching policy proposals to devastating personal revelations that rewrote history, these stories prove that while fame certainly opens doors, it definitely doesn’t guarantee a smooth path to power. The political arena demands a different kind of performance, a unique blend of thick skin, policy smarts, and personal transparency, and for these stars, it was a curtain call they didn’t quite anticipate. It just goes to show, the world of politics is one seriously tough crowd – tougher than any Hollywood critic, that’s for sure!