Stars Trying Their Hand at Politics: A Mixed Bag of Success

January 7, 2026

Spencer Pratt, 42, has announced his candidacy for mayor of Los Angeles. His bold declaration came during a public demonstration marking the first anniversary of the Palisades Fire. Pratt criticized the current system, calling it fundamentally broken and designed to favor those at the top. He emphasized that his campaign is not just a political run but a mission to expose and challenge the system.

Celebrities in Politics: A Growing Trend

Pratt isn't the first celebrity to venture into politics. Here are some notable figures who have made the leap:

• Jerry Springer: Known for his talk show, Springer served on the Cincinnati city council and even became mayor.
• Kanye West: The rapper attempted a presidential run in 2020 but did not succeed.
• Ronald Reagan: A Hollywood actor who became the 40th U.S. president in 1984 after serving as California's governor.
• Donald Trump: A reality star and businessman who won the presidency in 2016 and again in 2024.
• Roseanne Barr: Ran for president in 2012 under the Green Party.
• Cynthia Nixon: Attempted to become New York's governor but lost the Democratic primary.
• Shirley Temple: A beloved child star who ran for the California State Senate in 1967 and later became a U.S. ambassador.
• Sonny Bono: Known for his music career with Cher, served as a U.S. House Representative and was the mayor of Palm Springs.
• Al Franken: A comedian and talk show host who became a senator from Minnesota but stepped down after facing allegations of sexual assault.
• Herschel Walker: Ran for the Georgia Senate in 2022 but was defeated.
• Caitlyn Jenner: Known for her Olympic career and reality TV, ran for California governor in 2021.
• Arnold Schwarzenegger: A famous actor who was elected as California's governor in 2003 and served until 2011.
• Howard Stern: A radio and TV host who was a Libertarian nominee for New York governor in 1994 but withdrew after being required to share his financial information.
• Stephen Colbert: A comedian and late-night host who tried to run for president but was denied a spot on the ballot in South Carolina.

Questions and Challenges

The trend of celebrities entering politics raises questions about their qualifications and motivations. While some have succeeded, others have faced significant challenges and criticism. Transitioning from entertainment to politics is not always smooth or successful.