A number of personalities from media, sports and entertainment are launching bids for political office, underscoring the ways in which the different worlds are converging more and more.
In recent months, several reality TV stars have launched campaigns for office. Other media and entertainment personalities have also launched bids, as well as a number of ex-athletes.
Here are some of the personalities now seeking a career in politics.
Heavenly Kimes from Bravo’s “Married to Medicine”
Heavenly Kimes, a popular personality from Bravo’s hit reality TV series “Married to Medicine,” launched a congressional bid this year, citing fears that Medicaid cuts would adversely impact her community.
Kimes is a dentist by trade, while her husband is a chief medical officer at an Atlanta-based hospital.
She previously announced a bid for a Georgia state House seat, but shifted course after the “big, beautiful bill” was signed into law.
“Just days before I announced for State House, the One BBB bill was signed. I waited to hear something from my Congressman about it — I did not. When Donald Trump launched a retribution campaign against former allies like John Bolton, I hoped to hear my Congressman take a stand — I did not,” Kimes wrote in a statement on her campaign website.
“Thousands of Georgians have lost their jobs this year, and I expected to see leadership at a town hall to help families transition to new opportunities — I did not. After hearing from community leaders urging me to run for Congress, I realized this: we need more than a vote in Washington, we need a voice. People are scared, but they also have hope — and they deserve someone willing to speak to both,” she added.
During a podcast appearance, Kimes said Bravo previously told her she was unable to run for office and remain a personality on the show, but later approved coverage of her race.
Kimes is running in a crowded primary to unseat Rep. David Scott (D).
Tim Myers, former OneRepublic bassist
Tim Myers, a former bassist for OneRepublic, is seeking to become California’s next lieutenant governor.
The Harvard graduate shifted course earlier this year after launching a bid for the House of Representatives. He was set to challenge Rep. Ken Calvert (R-Calif.) as a member of the Democratic Party.
But Myers, who has produced for hit artists including Kesha and others, said the Golden State is being targeted by President Trump’s administration after the National Guard was deployed to Los Angeles in June.
“With Trump’s attacks on California and a broken political system dominated by career politicians and special interests, people are hurting and new leadership is urgently needed,” Myers wrote in an Instagram post.
“I’m not a politician. I’m a dad, a husband, a businessman, an activist, and the son of a pastor who taught me that faith without action is meaningless. I want to bring a fresh, strong voice to Sacramento,” he continued.
Myers is running to replace Lt. Gov. Eleni Kounalakis, who launched a gubernatorial bid.
“As lieutenant governor, I’ll fight to protect California from federal overreach and fix the dysfunction in our own state. I’ll fight back with common-sense solutions-ones that make it possible to raise a family here, afford housing, protect our environment, and restore safety and trust in our communities.”
Mark Teixeira, MLB baseman
Mark Teixeira has branded himself as a “proven leader” after 14 seasons in Major League Baseball for the Texas Rangers, Atlanta Braves, Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim and New York Yankees.
He’s now looking to represent the Lone Star State as a “fiscal conservative” Republican. He has endorsements from House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-La.) and Reps. Jim Jordan (R-Ohio) and Austin Pfluger (R-Texas), who say Teixeira’s athletic prowess will help the GOP party continue to dominate in Washington.
“It takes America First, conservative policies to bring prosperity to our country—and that’s exactly what President Trump is doing. I hope I can join his team to get America back to where we belong: prosperous, free, and safe,” Teixeira wrote in a post on X.
Derek Dooley, NFL coach
After a 30-year football coaching career honed under legendary names including Nick Saban and Vince Dooley, Derek Dooley has set his sights on a different arena.
The former University of Tennessee football coach is looking to unseat Sen. Jon Ossoff (D-Ga.) next year.
An endorsement from Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp (R) has boosted his chances of earning the GOP’s nomination.
“I’m running for U.S. Senate because Georgia needs a fighter who knows how to lead, not another professional politician chasing their next promotion in Washington,” Dooley wrote in a post on X.
“Let’s roll up our sleeves, get to work, and take this seat back for the people of Georgia!”
Jay Feely, former CBS host and NFL kicker
Former CBS host and NFL kicker Jay Feely announced a bid for Congress in April as a “staunch supporter of President Donald Trump” vying to represent the state of Arizona.
In recent months, Perry has increased his local presence after leaving the big screen by attending local high school football games to collect campaign signatures and through frequent posts on X.
The death of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, whose home was in the Grand Canyon State, particularly struck a nerve with the political newcomer, who said stronger legislation is needed to solve violence nationwide.
“I have never been more resolved or sure that I made the right decision to leave broadcasting and run for office,” Feely wrote in a Sept. 15 post.
The week prior, he blamed Democrats for the country’s political climate.
“The left is so afraid of being challenged that they result to violence. When Democrats continually say that the GOP is an enemy to democracy, that we are filled with hatred and racism — it provokes people to go out and commit these horrific acts,” Feely said.
“It’s time for the left’s hateful, divisive rhetoric to end.”
Democratic leaders condemned the fatal shooting on Utah Valley University’s campus where Kirk was shot, the same day.
