According to these stars, there is a fine line between show business and politics.&nbsp;

Being thrust into the public eye is an inevitable part of politics, but the spotlight has already been familiar to a number of candidates over the years. Today, it's not uncommon for celebrities to turn their careers towards politics. With the recent <a href="https://www.usatoday.com/story/entertainment/celebrities/2021/04/28/matthew-mcconaughey-governor-political-interests-and-more-we-know/7323029002/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">rumors of Matthew McConaughey's possible bid</a> for Texas governor and Caitlyn Jenner kicking off her official campaign, we may be seeing more famous faces in political office. Prior elections, like Ronald Reagan and Donald Trump's presidencies, have proven that Hollywood can make it all the way to the White House. Here, discover all the notable celebrities who have tried to win an official spot in American politics.

Caitlyn Jenner

In April, <a href="https://www.lofficielusa.com/politics-culture/caitlyn-jenner-california-governor" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Caitlyn Jenner</a> announced her run for governor of California. The former Olympic athlete and reality TV star aims to replace Democratic Governor Gavin Newsom in a recall election. She is running as a Republican and has already <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2021/05/02/politics/caitlyn-jenner-transgender-athletes-california-recall/index.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">made headlines for her opposition</a> to transgender girls participating in girls' sports in schools. Jenner is one of America's most prominent trans figures herself, and her stance quickly received backlash from LGBTQ+ activists.

Kanye West

Rapper and fashion designer <a href="https://www.lofficielusa.com/music/how-much-kanye-west-spent-presidential-campaign-2020-twitter" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Kanye West</a> made a bid for the 2020 presidential run. He ran on the Birthday Party ticket and only made it onto the ballot in 12 states. While he lost, earning over 66,000 votes, he later tweeted "Kanye 2024" signalling a future campaign as well. Before announcing his own run, West showed support for the then-current Republican President Donald Trump.

Actress, LGBTQ+ activist, and progressive <a href="https://www.lofficielusa.com/politics-culture/cynthia-nixon-new-york-primary-elections" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Cynthia Nixon</a> ran for governor of New York in 2018. The&nbsp;Sex and the City star lost to incumbent Governor Andrew Cuomo in the primary, earning 34 percent of the votes, while Cuomo received 66 percent. Her ambitious run addressed a number of pressing issues from aboloshing ICE to ending cash bail, and her liberal stance seemed to resonate with with minority, LGBTQ+, and young voters.

Arnold Schwarzenegger

Arnold Schwarzenegger of&nbsp;Terminator&nbsp;fame served as California's governor from 2003 to 2011. He is the state's most recent Republican governor. Previously, he served on President H.W. Bush's Council on Fitness and Physical sports.

Clint Eastwood

The acclaimed filmmaker and actor was elected mayor of Carmel-by-the-Sea, California in 1986, which he served for two years. He won with a whopping 72 percent of votes. Since then, Eastwood has shown support for candidates of both primary political parties in presidential races.

After a successful career as a child star, actress Shirley Temple ran for a congressional seat in California in 1967. Although she lost the election, she later served as the U.S. Ambassador to Ghana and Czechoslovakia. Her political career also led her to become the first woman to serve as Chief of Protocol under Gerald Ford.

Ronald Reagan successfuly transitioned from a career in Hollywood to a seat on Capitol Hill. The former actor became governor of California in 1967, serving until 1975. Then he ran and won as the Republican presidential candidate, securing his spot in the Oval Office for two terms, from 1981 to 1989.

The other half of Sonny &amp; <a href="https://www.lofficielusa.com/fashion/bob-mackie-dresses-barbie-cher-costume-designer" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Cher</a>, the singer and actor entered the political sphere later in life. While residing and owning a restaurant in Palm Springs, Bono was inspired to run for mayor in the late '80s. He won the election, serving from 1988 to 1992, and eventually earned a seat in the House of Representatives, too.&nbsp;

Prior to Donald Trump's one-term Republican presidency, he achieved fame as a businessman and host of the reality competition show&nbsp;The Apprentice.

9 Celebrities Who Have Run for Political Office

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