1. Vermin Supreme
Vermin Supreme, known for his boot hat and promises of free ponies, has run for president multiple times. He’s a political performance artist whose campaigns are as much about satire as they are about politics.
2. Lyndon LaRouche
Lyndon LaRouche ran for president eight times between 1976 and 2004. His conspiracy theories and extreme views made him a controversial figure in American politics.
3. Roseanne Barr
Comedian Roseanne Barr threw her hat into the presidential ring in 2012. Running as the Peace and Freedom Party candidate, her campaign was as unconventional as her career in comedy.
4. Al Sharpton
Civil rights activist Al Sharpton ran for president in 2004. Known for his outspoken nature, his campaign brought attention to issues of racial inequality and social justice.
5. Pat Paulsen
Comedian Pat Paulsen began running for president in 1968 as part of a satirical campaign on “The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour.” He continued to run in subsequent elections as a joke.
6. Alan Keyes
Alan Keyes is a conservative political activist who ran for president three times. His campaigns focused on traditional family values and strict constitutionalism.
7. John Hagelin
Physicist John Hagelin ran for president as a candidate for the Natural Law Party. His platform included meditation and yogic flying as solutions to national problems.
8. Jimmy McMillan
Founder of the Rent Is Too Damn High Party, Jimmy McMillan ran for president in 2012. His straightforward message resonated with many frustrated renters.
9. Eugene V. Debs
Socialist Eugene V. Debs ran for president five times in the early 20th century. His final campaign was conducted from prison, where he was serving time for anti-war activities.
10. Victoria Woodhull
Victoria Woodhull was the first woman to run for president, in 1872. A suffragist and advocate for free love, her candidacy was groundbreaking but controversial.
11. Larry Flynt
Hustler magazine publisher Larry Flynt announced a presidential bid in 1984. His campaign was more of a publicity stunt than a serious political effort.
12. Gracie Allen
Comedian Gracie Allen ran for president in 1940 as part of a publicity stunt for her radio show. Her “Surprise Party” campaign was filled with humorous slogans and promises.
13. Pigasus the Immortal
Pigasus the Immortal was a pig nominated for president by the Yippies in 1968. This satirical campaign aimed to highlight the absurdity of American politics.
14. Alice Cooper
Rock star Alice Cooper ran a mock campaign in 1972, complete with the slogan “A troubled man for troubled times.” It was all part of his stage persona.
15. Stephen Colbert
In 2008, comedian Stephen Colbert launched a satirical presidential campaign. He aimed to highlight the quirks of the American electoral system.
16. Charles E. “Chuck” Baldwin
Chuck Baldwin ran for president in 2008 as the Constitution Party candidate. His campaign focused on strict adherence to the U.S. Constitution and limited government.
17. David Duke
Former Ku Klux Klan leader David Duke ran for president in 1988 and 1992. His campaigns were marked by controversy and widespread condemnation.
18. Deez Nuts
In 2016, a 15-year-old boy from Iowa registered as an independent candidate under the name “Deez Nuts.” His candidacy went viral, becoming an internet sensation.
