15 reality TV stars who made splashes into politics

Before he was making presidential decisions, Donald Trump was famously telling contestants, "You're fired!" on The Apprentice. He certainly knows how to command an audience, whether it's on NBC or from the Oval Office.

From being a memorable contestant on The Apprentice to serving in the White House, Omarosa's journey has been anything but quiet. This reality TV veteran definitely brought her sharp-witted style from the small screen straight into the political arena.

After years of sharing her family's dynamic life with the world, this Olympic gold medalist and reality TV personality decided to run for governor in California, only to lose in embarrassing fashion, earning one percent of the state's vote.

Remember this American Idol runner-up with the angelic voice? Well, he took his passion for change from the stage to the ballot box, running for Congress in his home state of North Carolina. Talk about hitting a different kind of high note!

Long before he was a congressman, this reality TV alum was living with strangers in a loft in Boston. It seems The Real World was just the warm-up for a career in public service, proving that some cast members embrace diverse experiences.

After doling out health advice on daytime TV, Dr. Oz launched himself into a high-stakes Senate race in Pennsylvania, ultimately winning by a small margin. 

The former Alaskan Governor and Vice Presidential candidate also dipped her toes into reality TV, appearing on The Masked Singer, where she was eliminated after performing one song.

Known for his sprawling family and conservative values showcased on TLC, Jim Bob also has a history in Arkansas state politics. From 1999 to 2003, he served as a member of the Arkansas House of Representatives, and in 2021, he announced his plans to run for the State Senate, a race in which he placed third. 

Famous for his tie-dye shirts and big personality on Survivor, Rupert Boneham charmed audiences for multiple seasons. This fan favorite later ran for governor of Indiana as the Libertarian nominee!

This charismatic former Bachelor decided to explore a different kind of rose ceremony after finding fame looking for love on TV. He briefly ran for a state House seat in Colorado, demonstrating that some reality romance can lead to political aspirations.

Speeding around the world on The Amazing Race definitely prepared Justin Kanew for a different kind of marathon: a congressional campaign in Tennessee. 

While famous as a child actress, Melissa Gilbert later appeared on Dancing with the Stars before pivoting to politics, launching a campaign for a congressional seat in Michigan. She ended her bid early, however, due to health concerns.

In a previous interview, the actor said her "doctors said there's no way for me to continue to deal with the incredibly rigorous demands of a congressional campaign without continuing to do harm to my body." 

Long before his infamous talk show became a cultural phenomenon, Jerry Springer had a significant political career. He served as a city council member and then Mayor of Cincinnati, proving his early life was far from just shouting matches.

While gaining notoriety through his engagement to RHOC star Vicki Gunvalson, Steve Lodge then decided to jump into the California gubernatorial recall race. 

"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. I raised my children in California, and now I am watching my grandchildren grow up here," he said in 2021. 

"However, I can no longer stand by and watch my beautiful state being destroyed by bad decisions made by Sacramento career politicians," he continued. "It's time for the people of California to regain control of their government, not only at the state level, but in the counties, cities, and school boards."

From The Real World, Kevin Powell entered the New York loft in 1992 as an already established writer. After his time on reality TV, Powell ran for Congress as a Democrat in 2006, 2008, and 2010, losing each time to incumbent Edolphus Towns.