LGBTQ+ Actors Who Ran for Office and Lost Big

The intersection of Hollywood and politics has produced many notable success stories but several LGBTQ+ performers have faced difficult paths when seeking public office. These actors transitioned from the screen to the campaign trail in hopes of enacting social change and representing their communities in government. While some achieved significant milestones during their runs they ultimately faced defeat at the ballot box. Their efforts highlight the unique challenges and opportunities that arise when celebrities leverage their fame for political ends. This list explores fifteen actors who attempted to trade their entertainment careers for roles in government leadership.

Caitlyn Jenner

Caitlyn Jenner gained international fame as an Olympic athlete before appearing in the reality series ‘Keeping Up with the Kardashians’ for many years. She entered the political arena in 2021 during the California gubernatorial recall election as a Republican candidate. Her campaign emphasized fiscal conservatism and addressing the homelessness crisis in the state. She finished with approximately one percent of the total vote among dozens of candidates. Jenner has continued to remain active in political commentary following the conclusion of her run.

Cynthia Nixon

Cynthia Nixon is best known for her role as Miranda Hobbes in the hit series ‘Sex and the City’ which earned her multiple awards. She decided to challenge Andrew Cuomo for the Democratic nomination for Governor of New York in 2018. Her platform focused on economic equality and improving the state subway system. Despite a high profile campaign she ultimately lost the primary after receiving about thirty four percent of the vote. This loss marked a significant moment in celebrity politics within the state of New York.

Clay Aiken

Clay Aiken rose to stardom as the runner up on the second season of ‘American Idol’ and later appeared in the Broadway musical ‘Spamalot’ as Sir Robin. He first ran for Congress in North Carolina as a Democrat during the 2014 midterm elections. His campaign focused on education and social issues but he was unable to unseat the Republican incumbent. Aiken attempted another run for the House of Representatives in 2022 but lost the primary. These political endeavors showcased his commitment to public service in his home state.

Eddie Izzard

Eddie Izzard is a celebrated comedian and actor who has appeared in films like ‘Ocean’s Thirteen’ and the television series ‘The Riches’ throughout a long career. She has been a vocal supporter of the Labour Party in the United Kingdom and attempted to gain a seat on its National Executive Committee several times. In recent years she sought selection as a parliamentary candidate for seats in Sheffield and Brighton. None of these bids were successful as she faced stiff competition within the party selection process. Izzard remains a prominent figure in British political discourse and activism.

George Takei

George Takei is globally recognized for his portrayal of Hikaru Sulu in the original ‘Star Trek’ series and several subsequent films. He ventured into politics in 1973 when he ran for a seat on the Los Angeles City Council. His campaign was quite competitive and he missed winning the seat by a margin of only a few hundred votes. This early attempt at public office predated his public coming out as gay by several decades. He later served on the board of the Southern California Rapid Transit District after being appointed by Mayor Tom Bradley.

Honey Mahogany

Honey Mahogany first gained national attention as a contestant on the fifth season of ‘RuPaul’s Drag Race’ before continuing her career as an actor and singer. She transitioned into local politics and ran for a seat on the San Francisco Board of Supervisors in 2022. Her campaign focused on housing affordability and small business recovery in the wake of the pandemic. She narrowly lost the election to the incumbent in a hard fought race. Mahogany continues to lead the San Francisco Democratic County Central Committee as its first trans chair.

Marti Gould Cummings

Marti Gould Cummings is a prominent drag artist and actor who appeared in the television series ‘The Marti Report’ among other media projects. They ran for a seat on the New York City Council representing District 7 in the 2021 election cycle. Their platform emphasized criminal justice reform and increased funding for the arts. The campaign garnered significant media attention but did not result in a primary victory. Cummings remains active in the local community through both performance and political advocacy.

Daniel Newman

Daniel Newman is a versatile actor known for his roles in popular series such as ‘The Walking Dead’ and ‘The Vampire Diaries’ over the last decade. He entered politics in 2020 by announcing a run for the Georgia House of Representatives. His campaign aimed to address social inequality and improve healthcare access for residents in his district. He ultimately decided to suspend his campaign before the primary election occurred. Newman remains an active supporter of LGBTQ+ causes and continues his career in the entertainment industry.

Tell us what you think about celebrities running for office in the comments.