‘Boy Meets World’ actor Ben Savage to run for Congress in California. What to know

Actor Ben Savage, known for starring in the 90s sitcom “Boy Meets World,” is making a bid for Congress.

Savage, 42, is planning to run as a Democrat for California’s 30th Congressional District, which encompasses the Los Angeles neighborhoods of West Hollywood and Burbank, according to paperwork filed with the Federal Election Commission on Jan. 18.

Born in Chicago, Savage began his acting career as a child, appearing in “Dear John” and “Wild Palms” before securing his lead role as Cory Matthews in ABC’s “Boy Meets World” in 1993, according to his IMDB page.

After the hit show ended in 2000, he attended Stanford University, studying political science and interning with Republican Senator Arlen Specter from Pennsylvania.

Later on he starred in “Girl Meets World,” a spinoff show of “Boy Meets World,” and made appearances on crime shows like “Bones” and “Criminal Minds.”

When asked about potential political aspirations in 2014, he told Rolling Stone, “Acting and politics are almost too similar. I don’t know…You have to be a very specific breed to do that.”

Savage, a longtime Los Angeles resident, did eventually dip his toe into politics, making a bid for the West Hollywood City Council in 2022, according to his website.

“Our community is facing serious challenges around public safety, struggling businesses, the cost of housing, and homelessness,” he wrote. “We need new leaders with a fresh perspective who are ready to begin tackling these issues.”

Savage ultimately lost, garnering under 8% of the vote, according to WeHoville.

Now, setting his sights on higher office, he is running for the congressional seat currently held by Adam Schiff. Schiff is seen as a potential candidate to succeed Sen. Dianne Feinstein, who is 89 and has faced repeated calls to resign.

When reached by McClatchy News, a spokesperson for Savage declined to comment, saying he is focusing on his upcoming wedding.

If successful, he would follow in the footsteps of countless actors who made the jump from the stage to the political arena, including Arnold Schwarzenegger, Ronald Reagan and Jesse Ventura.

The general election will be held Nov. 5, 2024.

This story was originally published January 19, 2023 at 12:52 PM with the headline "‘Boy Meets World’ actor Ben Savage to run for Congress in California. What to know."