By Molly Claire Goddard
8:42am PDT, Jul 9, 2025
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Dr.
Heavenly Kimes is diving into the world of politics!
On Tuesday, July 8, the
Married to Medicine star announced her candidacy on the Democratic ticket for Georgia State Representative in District 93 during a rally in Atlanta.
"I'm not a career politician. I'm a mom, a doctor, a business owner — and I'm not afraid to stand up for what I believe in," Kimes said in a
statement. "I'm running to serve and I'm ready to work."
Keep reading to learn of more reality stars who have tried or succeeded in getting into public service…MORE:
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Caitlyn Jenner
In 2021,
Caitlyn Jenner — who starred in
Keeping Up With the Kardashians and
I Am Cait — launched her campaign for Governor of California to push her right-wing agenda.
"I want to see the government out of my face, out of my regulations," Jenner explained in a 2021 interview with
People. "I want a thriving economy, so we have the money to help the people who need to be helped."
The former athlete lost in the recall election on September 14, 2021.
Donald Trump
Before being elected as the president of the U.S. twice, Donald Trump was the host of the long-running NBC competition show The Apprentice.
The series, with the businessman at the helm, ran from 2004 until 2015, just before he launched his first bid for the White House. The show also spawned spinoffs, including The Celebrity Apprentice, The Apprentice: Martha Stewart and The Ultimate Merger.
Trump first ran for president in 2016 when he beat Hillary Clinton. In 2020, he lost to Joe Biden. In the 2024 election, he secured victory over Kamala Harris.
Omarosa Manigault Newman
Omarosa Manigault Newman was the quintessential reality television bad girl when she burst onto the scene in Season 1 of The Apprentice. She would later appear on shows such as The Ultimate Merger, Celebrity Big Brother and House of Villains.
After Donald Trump was elected to his first term in 2016, she became assistant to the President and director of communications for the Office of Public Liaison. The attorney also previously worked in Bill Clinton's administration. Newman left her job with Trump in December 2017.
Steve Lodge
The Real Housewives of Orange County's OG Vicki Gunvalson's ex-fiancé Steve Lodge tried running for governor of California in 2021.
"I can no longer stand by and watch my beautiful state being destroyed by bad decisions made by Sacramento career politicians," the Republican penned in the Instagram announcement of his campaign. "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."
He lost in the recall election on September 14, 2021 and split from the insurance agent that same year.
Clay Aiken
In 2014, years after rising to fame on American Idol, Clay Aiken ran for the United States House of Representatives in North Carolina's 2nd congressional district.
The Celebrity Apprentice alum won the Democratic primary but lost to Republican incumbent Renee Ellmers in the general election.
Ben Higgins
In 2016, Bachelor star Ben Higgins was set to run as a Republican for Congress in Colorado. However, after registering, he decided against getting into public service.
"I regret that I must withdraw my candidacy," the former ABC star said in a statement at the time. "Despite my best efforts to pursue this opportunity in good faith, I recently received information that has made such a pursuit unworkable. Due to unforeseen circumstances, I will not be able to move forward as a candidate. I find solace in knowing that our intentions and actions have been fair and sincere. I entered into this endeavor wanting to bring positive change to my community, and it is with that same spirit that I will move forward, albeit on a different path."
