Lights, Votes, Action: The Rise and Fall of Celebrity Politicians in the 2025 Midterms

Star Power vs. Political Reality: The Showbiz Candidates Who Shined and Faltered in the 2025 Midterms

In the world where fame and politics often collide, the 2025 midterm elections showcased a significant flux of celebrities eager to transition their stardom into public service. As the voting concluded and the dust settled, the outcomes revealed a captivating tableau of both triumphs and setbacks for these high-profile candidates. This year, the allure of celebrity was palpable, with numerous personalities from the entertainment, sports, and media sectors making their political ambitions known. From seasoned veterans who previously held office to newcomers seeking their first taste of governance, let’s delve into how these familiar faces fared in the electoral fray.

The Senate race in particular witnessed a concerted effort from a slew of celebrity candidates, with at least 14 vying for seats. Among the most notable winners were the Tulfo brothers—Erwin, Raffy, and Ben—all of whom are media personalities with backgrounds steeped in public service. Erwin Tulfo emerged as the stand-out candidate, claiming the fourth spot in the Senate tally with an impressive 16 million votes; this marked a three-million vote increase compared to his brother Raffy's previous bid in 2022, when he ranked third. This victory is a testament to Erwin's popularity and influence, adding another chapter to the Tulfo legacy. Meanwhile, their brother Ben, with over 11 million votes, fell short of the success of his siblings, landing in 13th place behind Imee Marcos, a seasoned political figure and presidential sister.

Tito Sotto, a name synonymous with Philippine politics, was also among the celebrated figures to secure his Senate seat after placing eighth with over 13 million votes. This election marked yet another come-back for the former Senate President, who has enjoyed a long and storied career in politics, including multiple terms that date back to 1992. Lito Lapid, the action star cherished by many, similarly secured a new term after ranking 11th, add to his legacy which includes two previous terms from 2004 to 2016, and a return in 2019 after a brief hiatus. The influence of these celebrities and their transition from the big screen to political success underscores their significant foothold in voter appeal.

However, not every celebrity candidate celebrated electoral success. With a mix of familiar faces and fresh aspirants, the competition in the Senate was fierce. Bong Revilla, who previously enjoyed success in the Senate, faced defeat once again, securing the 14th position. Boxing superstar Manny Pacquiao, who once held a senate seat and made a presidential bid earlier in 2025, placed 18th, reflecting the difficult landscape for incumbents in this election cycle. Similarly, singer and lawyer Jimmy Bondoc finished 17th, while veteran actors such as Philip Salvador and television host Willie Revillame also failed to secure the coveted Senate positions.

Moving beyond the Senate, the House of Representatives also witnessed a gathering of celebrities staying true to the trend of showbiz personalities stepping into politics. Arjo Atayde, celebrated for his acting prowess, will continue his role in Congress, successfully defending his seat as representative of Quezon City’s 1st district. Lani Mercado-Revilla, wife of Bong Revilla and a political figure in her own right, ran unopposed in Cavite’s 2nd district, reaffirming her popularity and influence in local politics. Her son, Jolo Revilla, also joined the ranks of celebrity politicians, securing victory in Cavite’s 1st district race.

Richard Gomez, an enduring star in Philippine cinema, celebrated another electoral victory by topping the polls for a second term as representative of Leyte's 4th district, after transitioning from a previous role as the mayor of Ormoc City. Despite the successes of some, others faced challenging outcomes. Ejay Falcon, who had previously served as the vice governor of Oriental Mindoro, conceded his defeat in a closely contested race, while Marco Gumabao fell short in his first political attempt in Camarines Sur.

On the local political stage, the results echoed similar narratives of triumphs for some celebrity figures. Isko Moreno, widely recognized for his tenure as mayor, emerged victorious, setting a promising tone for his next term. His son, actor Joaquin Domagoso, also achieved success, securing a position as first district councilor. In Pasig, former professional basketball player Dodot Jaworski celebrated his victory as vice mayor, pairing with Vico Sotto for a strong leadership team. Meanwhile, various veteran actors and sports figures such as Aiko Melendez and Franz Pumaren showed that their star power also resonated in local governance.

The politics of personal branding intertwined with the gravity of public service was clearly illustrated in this election cycle. As some celebrities reveled in their electoral victories, others faced the sting of political defeat. The results of the 2025 midterm elections underscore how the fame associated with celebrity candidacies does not always guarantee political success. The evolving narrative of these personalities perhaps introduces a more complex relationship between their public personas and political aspirations, leaving an impression on both their fan base and the wider electorate.

In closing, the 2025 elections advanced a crucial dialogue about the role of celebrities in politics, highlighting triumphs, rejections, and a persistent allure that stems from their star power. As these personalities navigate the challenges and rewards of public service, they continue to shape the political landscape, proving, yet again, that in the world of politics, fame can be both an asset and a liability. As we reflect on the impact of the celebrity candidates, it becomes clear that their journey is far from over, and their influence will be felt in various forms in the years to come.