10 Of The Most Unique Individuals to Run For Office

Politics is often seen as a domain reserved for the serious-minded: statesmen, lawyers, activists, and policy wonks. The political arena is where society’s most complex issues are debated and where decisions that shape the future are made. Yet, politics isn’t immune to eccentricity. Over the years, the electoral process has attracted a variety of unusual candidates—some humorous, some tragic, and others defiantly unconventional.

While many run for office with genuine intentions—seeking reform or championing neglected causes—others do it to protest, to satirize, or simply to stand out. What follows is a look at 10 of the most unusual political candidates to ever seek public office.

1. Vermin Supreme (United States)

Perhaps the most famous “joke” candidate in modern American politics, Vermin Supreme is an activist and performance artist who has run in several U.S. elections since the 1990s. Instantly recognizable by the large rubber boot he wears on his head, Supreme is known for his surreal campaign promises—such as mandatory tooth brushing laws and providing every American with a free pony.

Though he started as a satirist mocking the absurdities of the political process, Supreme has also used his campaigns to raise awareness about serious issues like government overreach and civil liberties. In 2020, he even ran in the Libertarian Party primaries, garnering a surprising amount of support.

2. Count Binface (United Kingdom)

British politics has a long tradition of eccentric candidates, but Count Binface may take the crown—or the dustbin lid. A sci-fi character created by comedian Jonathan Harvey, Count Binface ran against Prime Minister Boris Johnson in the 2019 general election.

Sporting a metallic costume and a tongue-in-cheek platform (including promises to bring back Ceefax and rename London Bridge after Phoebe Waller-Bridge), Binface added a surreal flair to the campaign trail. Despite the comedy, his candidacy served as a satirical critique of the political status quo and voter disenchantment.

3. Michael “The Black Panther” Felder (United States)

In 1992, the ballot for U.S. Vice President included an unusual name: Michael “The Black Panther” Felder. A former pro football player with the Cleveland Browns, Felder’s campaign was not only unconventional due to his lack of political experience, but also because he ran with his running mate, the Rev. James “Bo” Gritz—a former Green Beret and militia figure—on a platform veering into conspiracy-laden territory.

The ticket was a peculiar mix of anti-government sentiment and populist nationalism, which prefigured some of the anti-establishment rhetoric that would become more mainstream decades later.

4. Lord Buckethead (United Kingdom)

Another icon of British fringe politics, Lord Buckethead is a satirical science fiction character who has run against major political figures including Margaret Thatcher, Theresa May, and Boris Johnson. With his dark helmet and black cape, he looks like a villain from a low-budget ‘80s sci-fi film—and that’s because he originally appeared in a 1984 movie titled Hyperspace.

His platform has included bizarre proposals like abolishing the House of Lords and building “galactic hyperspace bypasses.” Like Count Binface, Lord Buckethead’s campaigns have gained traction on social media, blurring the line between protest, performance, and parody.

5. Princess Chicle (Mexico)

In 2015, Mexican pop singer and TV personality Princess Chicle (which translates to “Princess Chewing Gum”) launched a campaign to become a member of Congress. Wearing flamboyant costumes and accompanied by backup dancers, her campaign events were closer to pop concerts than political rallies.

Although her candidacy was dismissed by many as a publicity stunt, it highlighted public dissatisfaction with career politicians and the hunger for more relatable, transparent representatives—even if they came from the world of entertainment.

6. Deez Nuts (United States)

In 2015, a satirical independent candidate named “Deez Nuts” made headlines across the United States after appearing in presidential polls and earning up to 9% support in some states. The “candidate” was actually a 15-year-old high school student named Brady Olson from Iowa, who registered the name with the Federal Election Commission as a prank.

What began as a joke ended up sparking a nationwide conversation about the state of U.S. politics, the flaws in polling, and the disengagement of younger voters from traditional candidates.

7. Cacareco the Rhinoceros (Brazil)

In 1958, São Paulo voters, frustrated with political corruption and incompetence, symbolically elected a rhinoceros to city council. Cacareco, a female rhino from the local zoo, received over 100,000 votes—more than any human candidate.

While obviously not a real candidate, Cacareco’s “victory” was a powerful protest vote. It became so iconic that it inspired a political movement known as the Partido do Rinoceronte (Rhinoceros Party), later mimicked in countries like Canada.

8. Tux the Penguin (Canada)

The Canadian branch of the Rhinoceros Party (itself a satirical response to politics) once ran a candidate in a federal election under the name Tux the Penguin, a nod to the Linux operating system mascot. The campaign was every bit as absurd as it sounds, including promises to repeal the law of gravity and provide higher education by building taller schools.

Like many satirical candidates, Tux wasn’t expected to win, but the campaign reflected frustrations with political elitism and the desire to inject humor into a typically somber process.

9. David Bishop a.k.a. “Elvis Loves Pets” (United Kingdom)

David Bishop is a perennial candidate in British elections who runs under the “Bus-Pass Elvis Party” or various similarly humorous names. His platforms typically include support for public transportation, opposition to war, and quirky proposals like more statues of Elvis Presley.

Though rarely breaking 1% of the vote, Bishop’s persistent presence on the ballot represents the kind of localized protest that mixes personal passion with political satire.

10. Mohammed Emwazi (Kuwait/United Kingdom)

While not technically a political candidate, the mere rumor that Emwazi—later revealed to be ISIS militant “Jihadi John”—had attempted to involve himself in political circles during his youth caused a brief storm in British media. It serves as a sobering reminder that sometimes unusual candidates are not amusing or harmless, but reflect darker undercurrents within society.

This inclusion highlights how not all fringe figures are merely comedic; some may pose serious threats or expose deep fractures in the political landscape.