Ben Affleck Turns Down Senate Run: 5 Celebs Who Have Stepped On Political Stage

Photo: Wiki Commons

Clint Eastwood

Prior to the now-infamous "chair incident" at the 2012 Republican National Convention, Clint Eastwood had a brief stint as a politician. In 1986, the Oscar-winning actor/director was elected mayor of Carmel-by-the-sea, California. Eastwood held the position for just one term. Though Eastwood has not held political office since, he remains heavily involved in presidential campaigns. According to the Daily Beast, he has a history of endorsing political candidates from Richard Nixon to John McCain.

Photo: Wiki Commons

Jesse Ventura

Pro-Wrestler Jesse "The Body" Ventura managed to serve as the governor of Minnesota from 1999 to 2003. Though he no longer holds a political position,Ventura is still active when it comes to hot button issues. According to the Huffington Post, he recently protested an amendment that would define marriage as being between a man and a woman.

Photo: Wiki Commons

Jerry Springer

Before he was the host of of his own trash talk show, Jerry Springer served two terms as the Mayor of Cincinnati, Ohio. Springer was elected in 1971 after occupying a seat on the Cincinnati City Council for five years.

Photo: Wiki Commons

Kal Penn

You wouldn't know it from his work in "Harold and Kumar Go To White Castle" but actor Kal Penn has had a very active political career. In 2009, he was chosen to be the Associate Director of the White House Office Engagement. Just over a year later, Penn left the position to return to acting. In early 2012 Penn returned to political sphere became the co-chair for President Obama's re-election campaign.

Photo: Wiki Commons

Arnold Schwarzenegger

The Austrian-born body builder, best known for roles in films like "The Terminator" and "True Lies," was elected the governor of California in 2003. The actor is currently serving his second term.