**24 Celebrities Who Ran for Political Office (Including a ‘Real Housewives’ Star & ‘General Hospital’ Actor!)**
Over the years, numerous celebrities have stepped out of the spotlight and into the political arena, trading Hollywood glitz for the campaign trail. From reality TV stars to soap opera icons, these individuals have sought to use their fame and influence to make a difference in the political world. Below, we explore some of the most notable celebrities who ran for political office, along with a glimpse into their backgrounds and motivations.
### 1. **Arnold Schwarzenegger**
– **Background**: Known as the “Austrian Oak,” Arnold Schwarzenegger first rose to fame as a world-class bodybuilder, winning Mr. Olympia seven times. He later became a Hollywood action star, with iconic roles in *The Terminator* series, *Predator*, and *Total Recall*.
– **Political Career**: Schwarzenegger served as the Governor of California from 2003 to 2011 after winning a recall election. A moderate Republican, he focused on environmental policies and fiscal reform during his tenure.
### 2. **Cynthia Nixon**
– **Background**: Cynthia Nixon is best known for her role as Miranda Hobbes on the hit HBO series *Sex and the City*. She has also had a successful career on Broadway, earning multiple Tony Awards.
– **Political Career**: Nixon ran for Governor of New York in 2018, challenging incumbent Andrew Cuomo in the Democratic primary. Her campaign focused on education reform, LGBTQ+ rights, and income inequality.
### 3. **Sonja Morgan**
– **Background**: A fan-favorite from *The Real Housewives of New York City*, Sonja Morgan is known for her wit, humor, and entrepreneurial spirit. Before her reality TV fame, she worked in fashion and luxury branding.
– **Political Aspirations**: Morgan briefly explored running for local office, citing her passion for community development and women’s empowerment.
### 4. **Antonio Sabàto Jr.**
– **Background**: A former Calvin Klein model and actor, Antonio Sabàto Jr. gained fame for his roles on *General Hospital* and *Melrose Place*. He was a heartthrob of the 1990s.
– **Political Career**: Sabàto ran for Congress in California’s 26th district as a Republican in 2018. His campaign focused on immigration reform and support for veterans but ultimately was unsuccessful.
### 5. **Clint Eastwood**
– **Background**: Clint Eastwood is a legendary actor and filmmaker, known for classics like *The Good, the Bad and the Ugly* and *Unforgiven*. He has won multiple Academy Awards for his directing and producing work.
– **Political Career**: Eastwood served as the mayor of Carmel-by-the-Sea, California, from 1986 to 1988. During his term, he focused on environmental conservation and improving local infrastructure.
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### A Look at Other Celebrities Who Ran for Office
Here’s a quick rundown of other stars who transitioned from entertainment to politics:
– **Ronald Reagan**: The Hollywood actor became the 40th President of the United States after serving as Governor of California.
– **Shirley Temple**: The beloved child star ran for Congress in 1967 but was unsuccessful. She later served as a U.S. ambassador.
– **Kanye West**: The music mogul launched an independent bid for the presidency in 2020, running on a platform of faith-based policies.
– **Al Franken**: The comedian and former *Saturday Night Live* writer served as a U.S. Senator from Minnesota from 2009 to 2018.
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### Why Do Celebrities Enter Politics?
Celebrities often have a unique advantage when entering politics: name recognition. Their fame allows them to connect with voters on a personal level, and their platforms give them the ability to address issues they are passionate about. However, transitioning from entertainment to governance is no easy feat. Many face skepticism about their qualifications and must work hard to prove their dedication to public service.
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### Fun Facts About Celebrities in Politics
– **Ronald Reagan** was the first actor to ever become U.S. President.
– **Arnold Schwarzenegger** was nicknamed “The Governator” during his time in office, a nod to his *Terminator* role.
– **Cynthia Nixon** was inspired to run for office after years of activism in education and LGBTQ+ rights.
– **Clint Eastwood** famously banned ice cream cones on Carmel’s streets during his time as mayor, citing cleanliness concerns.
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### Conclusion
From soap opera stars to reality TV icons, these celebrities prove that the leap from Hollywood to politics is not as far-fetched as it may seem. While some have achieved great success in their political endeavors, others have faced challenges along the way. Regardless, their willingness to step into the political arena highlights their desire to make an impact beyond the entertainment industry.