Antonio Sabato Jr. Sets Sights on Congress Seat

Republican 'Melrose Place' star will take on Rep. Julia Brownley in California
By Jenn Gidman,  Newser Staff
Posted May 9, 2017 8:27 AM CDT
Melrose Place Actor Running for Congress in California
In this May 10, 2013, file photo, actor Antonio Sabato Jr. poses for a portrait in Los Angeles.   (Photo by Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP, File)

First Ronald Reagan, then Arnold Schwarzenegger, and now … Antonio Sabato Jr. The political bug has bitten yet another Hollywood alum, with the 45-year-old filing paperwork Monday with the Federal Election Commission announcing his run for Congress against Democratic Rep. Julia Brownley in California, per the Los Angeles Times. GOP fundraiser Charles Moran confirms Sabato's plans, noting the actor's platform will include substance abuse, foreign affairs, and veterans' issues, among others, KABC reports. Sabato is best known for his roles on General Hospital and Melrose Place, his stint as a Calvin Klein underwear model, and his competition in 2014 on Dancing With the Stars.

He has also been an outspoken supporter of President Trump, though he attracted some controversy last summer when he told ABC News he "absolutely" knew former President Obama was a Muslim and that the US took a "bad turn" during Obama's tenure. "Being a Republican and with proximity to the White House and Republican leadership, he’s going to be able to get more done—being in the majority, with his notoriety, for the residents of the 26th District," Moran tells the Times. Sabato's social media is quiet on his new plans, save for a cryptic tweet accompanied by an American flag emoji: "Whatever you decide to do in life , Do It with passion & conviction 2 be continued." (Trump has also inspired a former SNL star to mull politics.)

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