Former Olympic gold medalist Caitlyn Jenner announced her intentions to run for governor of California last Friday, looking to unseat longtime Democratic incumbent Gov. Gavin Newsom.

"Californians want better and need better from their politicians," Jenner, a world-class athlete turned reality-show star, wrote on Twitter, adding that she is a "proven winner."

Jenner, who identifies as transgender, plans to reportedly run on a platform that is fiscally conservative but socially liberal -- making a sharp turn from the progressive politics of California today.

At a time when more than 20 states have introduced anti-transgender bills this year alone, many supporters see Jenner's run as an opportunity for change. But critics see Jenner's run as nothing more than another celebrity looking to take political office, or celebritician, as it was coined in 2011 to describe former Alaska governor Sarah Palin.

But celebrities taking the jump from Hollywood to politics is nothing new. Jenner wouldn't even be the first star to run for governor of the Golden State. Arnold Schwarzenegger served as the governor of California from 2003 to 2011 as the last Republican leader the state has seen. President Ronald Regan famously acted well before residing in the White House. Most recently, former President Donald Trump went from reality star and business mogul to the 45th President of the United States. Other stars who succeeded at the polls include Clint Eastwood, Sonny Bono and Jerry Springer.

Other celebrities have tried – and failed – to make it past primaries or even on the ballot. After endorsing Trump in the 2016 election, Kanye West announced his run for the presidential seat in the 2020 election, collecting 60,000 votes under "The Birthday Party" before conceding. In 2018, Sex and the City starlet Cynthia Nixon tried to run for New York governor, only to be defeated in a landslide by Andrew Cuomo.

Since Trump was elected, more actors and actresses have announced interest in running for office. The line between celebrities and politicians continues to blur as stars have felt more pressure to voice their opinions on some issues and take action on others. But data shows that Americans are looking for a change.

According to a Pew Research Center study, only 16 percent of Americans think the government does the right thing "most of the time." As "cancel culture" continues to build and some leaders fall out of favor with the general public, new leaders are needed.

Celebriticians could be a viable alternative. Many celebrities possess the soft skills seasoned politicians dream of mastering. Money and name recognition are key factors in winning elections, and along with knowing how to work a crowd, celebrities tend to have both. Trump's "drain the swamp" mentality left a lasting impact on constituents to where they want to see a change in those they elect into positions of power, especially given the polarization of politics. Enter celebrities as political outsiders looking to capitalize on this revert from the status quo and tapping into Americans' distrust of government.

Matthew McConaughey has teased a gubernatorial run in his home state of Texas against Greg Abbott, and Dwyane "The Rock" Johnson has stated he wouldn't rule out running for President in 2024. A Newsweek poll found at least 46 percent of Americans would support a presidential run from the actor and former professional wrestler. 

McConaughey already has growing support in Texas even before voters know which party he would back. A poll published by The Dallas Morning News and the University of Texas at Tyler earlier this month showed McConaughey to be supported by 45 percent of Texas voters. In comparison, Abbot was backed by just 33 percent of respondents. 

"Voters in Texas are won over by the individual that stands their ground and champions personal responsibility," Rob Robinson, the co-owner of Austin Football Club, said. "The Texas I grew up in is heavily libertarian and is wary of trusting the federal government. Often, politicians that win Texas don't use emotion as a cornerstone of their movement."

The Austin native has criticized both parties, suggesting he would run as more of a moderate candidate. Still, his popularity as a public figure and significant charity to the Lone Star state make his odds commendable. After the February winter storm, McConaughey and his wife, Camila, raised over $8 million for Texas through their "We're Texas" virtual concert series.

"Celebrities are a unique group of people who have a particular set of concerns that they have, over the past … wanted to promote or support," says David James Jackson, a political science professor at Bowling Green State University, whose research focuses on the links between young people's entertainment and political preferences.

"So it seems like a natural extension of the increasing celebrity involvement in politics to make the next step be to run for office." 

Only time will tell if Jenner has the support from the LGBTQ+ community and other marginalized groups to secure a spot in the governor's office. After her campaign announcement, Twitter erupted against the former track star, criticizing her support of the Republican party and Trump, who did little to advocate for trans rights.

"Celebriticians" won't go away anytime soon. If history has provided any indication to celebrities hoping to transition into politics, heed the advice of many failed stars: don't quit your day job.