Politics in Hollywood is usually a one-way street. If you walk down the red carpet at the Oscars, you’re basically expected to have a specific set of opinions. Most people think "celebrity" is just a synonym for "liberal." It’s an easy mistake to make. The loudest voices usually belong to the left, but if you actually dig into the donor lists and convention stages of 2026, the reality of celebrities that are republican is way more complicated than the internet makes it out to be.
Honestly, it's kinda wild how much has changed lately.
We aren't just talking about the "old guard" anymore. Sure, you've still got the legends like Kelsey Grammer and Jon Voight who have been holding down the fort for decades. But now, in the wake of the 2024 election and heading into the 2026 midterms, the roster has expanded into the world of podcasters, tech billionaires, and even some surprising names from the music industry.
The Cultural Shift of Celebrities That Are Republican
For a long time, being a Republican in entertainment felt like a secret society. You had to know the password. If you came out as a conservative, people told you your career was essentially over. Antonio Sabato Jr. famously talked about this, claiming he was blacklisted after speaking at a convention. But look at the landscape today.
The "stigma" hasn't totally vanished, but it’s definitely cracking.
Look at Jason Aldean. A few years ago, a country star being a Republican wasn't exactly "stop the presses" news. But Aldean didn't just quietly vote; he became a symbol. After the 2024 assassination attempt on Donald Trump in Butler, Pennsylvania, Aldean was one of the first to post that iconic photo, calling Trump a "warrior." By the time the Republican National Convention rolled around in Milwaukee, he and his wife Brittany weren't just attending—they were sitting in the family box.
It wasn't just him. The 2024 cycle saw a massive influx of "tough guy" personas and sports icons leaning right. Hulk Hogan literally ripped his shirt off on stage. Dana White, the UFC kingpin, has become a staple at these events. Even Brett Favre stepped into the spotlight in Wisconsin to rally the troops. These aren't just endorsements; they are cultural statements.
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The Podcast Powerhouse
This is where the real movement is happening. If you want to find celebrities that are republican (or at least Republican-adjacent), you don't look at late-night TV anymore. You look at YouTube and Spotify.
- Theo Von: He’s been a massive bridge. He talks to everyone, but his interviews with GOP figures like JD Vance showed a side of the party that felt human and "everyman" rather than corporate.
- Adam Carolla: He’s been a vocal critic of California’s policies for years.
- Joe Rogan: While he’s more of an independent/libertarian, his late-2024 endorsement of Trump sent shockwaves through the industry. In 2026, his influence on the "New Right" is basically unmatched.
- Russell Brand: A few years ago, he was a leftist revolutionary. Now? He’s championing the GOP as the party of anti-establishment freedom.
It’s a strange timeline we live in.
The Astronaut and the Tech Giant
One of the most surprising additions to the list in recent years was Buzz Aldrin. Yes, the man who walked on the moon. He officially backed the Republican ticket, citing the need for "serious, adult leadership" and a focus on space exploration. When a literal American hero goes red, people notice.
Then you have Elon Musk. Calling him just a "celebrity" feels like an understatement, but he’s become the most influential pro-Republican figure in the world. His takeover of X (formerly Twitter) and his massive financial backing of GOP causes has completely shifted how celebrities interact with politics. He’s made it "cool" for the tech-bro crowd to come out as conservative.
Why Do They Do It?
It's not always about taxes. Though, honestly, for some of the higher earners, that's a big part of it. But for a lot of celebrities that are republican, it's about what they call "common sense."
Take Dr. Phil. He made headlines in late 2024 when he showed up at a Madison Square Garden rally. His argument wasn't about policy papers; it was about the "culture of bullying" he felt was coming from the left toward anyone who disagreed with them. He basically said, "I don't think this guy is the monster the media says he is." For a psychologist with that much reach, that message landed hard with his audience.
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Then you've got the rockers. Kid Rock and Ted Nugent are the obvious ones. They’ve been at this forever. But even someone like Danica Patrick—who had never even voted in a presidential election before—came out swinging for the GOP because she felt the country’s direction was "off track."
The Cost of Coming Out
We have to be real here: there is still a price to pay. Even in 2026, Hollywood isn't exactly a safe haven for conservative thought.
Kelsey Grammer has often been asked if his politics hurt his career. He usually just shrugs it off, but he’s also Kelsey Grammer—he’s got Frasier money. He can afford to be bold. Younger actors or musicians? They still play it closer to the vest. You’ll see them "like" a post or follow a certain account, but they won't always stand on a stage.
There's a reason you don't see many Republican celebrities in major Marvel movies or headlining Coachella. The gatekeepers in those industries still lean heavily left. But the rise of independent media—DailyWire+, Rumble, and even X—has given these stars a place to go. They don't need a Disney contract if they can build their own ecosystem.
Real Experts and Real Perspectives
Political scientists, like those contributing to Chatham House or City & State, have noticed a trend in 2026: the "Celebrity Gap" is closing. It’s no longer 99% vs 1%. According to recent polling trends, the Republican party has made significant gains with male voters under 30, and the celebrities they follow reflect that.
But there are limitations. Just because Elon Musk or Hulk Hogan supports a candidate doesn't mean their entire fan base follows. We saw this in the 2024 results—celebrity endorsements often create "noise" but don't always flip the "swing" voters.
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| Celebrity | Known For | Main Political Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Kelsey Grammer | Acting (Frasier) | Individual Liberty |
| Dana White | UFC | Anti-Regulation / Strength |
| Jason Aldean | Country Music | Traditional Values |
| Elon Musk | Tech / X | Free Speech / Economy |
| Buzz Aldrin | Astronaut | National Security / Space |
What to Watch for in the 2026 Midterms
As we move closer to the 2026 elections, keep an eye on Erika Kirk. Since taking over as CEO of Turning Point USA, she’s become a massive bridge between the celebrity world and the political ground game. She’s pushing for a "revival of traditional values" that is attracting a lot of influencers who are tired of the "woke" label.
Also, watch the "New York GOP" scene. People like John Catsimatidis and even tech-adjacent figures are pouring money into making Republicanism feel more "metropolitan."
The list of celebrities that are republican is no longer just a few aging actors in cowboy hats. It’s a diverse, wealthy, and increasingly loud group of people who are tired of the status quo. Whether you agree with them or not, they’ve successfully changed the conversation from "why is he a Republican?" to "why shouldn't I be one?"
Actionable Steps for the Curious
If you’re trying to keep track of this shifting landscape, don't just rely on the evening news. Here’s how to stay informed:
- Check FEC Filings: If you really want to know who a celebrity supports, look at where they send their checks. Public records don't lie.
- Follow the Podcast Trail: Listen to long-form interviews on The Joe Rogan Experience or Theo Von’s This Past Weekend. You’ll hear celebrities speak more freely than they ever would on a 3-minute Access Hollywood clip.
- Monitor Independent Media: Sites like The Daily Wire or Barstool Sports (Dave Portnoy is a major voice here) often host or feature the celebrities that the mainstream avoids.
- Look at the 2026 Campaign Trail: As the midterms heat up, watch who shows up at rallies in swing states like Pennsylvania, Arizona, and Michigan. That’s where the real endorsements happen.
The era of the "silent Republican" in Hollywood is basically over. Between the 2024 victory and the 2026 midterm push, the right has found its voice in the limelight. It might be messy, and it might be loud, but it’s definitely not a secret anymore. Knowing which stars align with your values—or why they don't—is just the first step in understanding the new American political culture.
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