Five wrestlers who have run for office

Wrestling and politics go hand in hand, or do they?

#1 Jesse Ventura – Mayor (Brooklyn Park, Minnesota) 1991-1995, Governor (Minnesota) 1999-2003

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377974 03: Minnesota Governor Jesse Ventura pauses for a moment as he recognizes a friend while signing copies of his new book 'Do I Stand Alone?' September 8, 2000 at Skokie School in Winnetka, IL. Governor Ventura spoke earlier to a small audience touching on various topics including politics and life after professional wrestling. (Photo by Tim Boyle/Newsmakers)
Ventura’s legacy will forever be connected to his contributions in the political arena
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‘The Body’ is regarded by many as the Godfather of politicians in professional wrestling.

Ventura started his political career by becoming mayor of his hometown Brooklyn Park in 1991, defeating an opponent who was in office for 25 years prior to the election. He would also regularly provide colour commentary on WCW broadcasts during his time as mayor.

Is this man the funniest man in wrestling?

After his term, he began his efforts to become governor in the 1998 election, managing to win the election while spending a mere $300,000 on his campaign and relying on grassroots movements and the internet. Ventura is considered a pioneer in his using the internet as a campaign tool.

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Much like his time as Brooklyn Park’s mayor, Ventura managed to make several appearances, this time for WWE leading up to SummerSlam 1999 in Minneapolis.

The media coverage of the governor took its toll on Ventura’s family life and he claims it as the reason why he didn’t run for re-election in 2002.

With no party support to rely on (Ventura was independent), he found it hard to have his policies turned into bills to be voted on by state senators and representatives. Although, he was quite effective in vetoing bills put before him, few of which were overturned.

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