Jerry Springer’s close friend Jene Galvin said the talk show host is considering mounting a run for Ohio governor, according to the Cincinnati Enquirer.
“There have been [those] who have asked him to run for governor, and he is considering it and will decide that pretty soon,” Galvin, who co-hosts “The Jerry Springer Podcast,” told the publication in an interview on Wednesday.
“He’s about done figuring it out, but he had to give some serious thought to it first,” he continued.
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Galvin’s comment comes amid months of speculation that Springer, a former mayor of Cincinnati, has ambitions to lead the Buckeye State’s executive branch.
Business Insider reported in May that Ohio Democrats were pushing the tabloid talk show host to run.
“I think he has a very strong ability to communicate what I think is the heart of the Democratic message,” former Ohio Gov. Ted Strickland (D) told Business Insider. “I think he is a superb communicator.”
Springer has sought guidance from various Ohio lawmakers, such as state Sen. Sandra Williams (D), as well as state Reps. Janine Boyd (D) and Stephanie Howse (D), The Enquirer reported.
The talk show host says the recent speculation likely stems from President Trump’s unexpected victory in 2016.
“What’s probably giving it more juice this time is the Trump victory,” Springer told the Enquirer in February.
“People are thinking that somebody outside the traditional political establishment can win. His constituency is basically mine. These are fans of the show. I could be Trump without the racism.”
While he has so far refused to publicly confirm the reports, Springer did address Democratic crowds at a fundraiser for Boyd and Howse on Tuesday.
The report comes as other celebrities are also mulling runs for public office.
Musician Kid Rock has publicly flirted with a 2018 run for Michigan’s Senate seat, with some Republicans saying his name recognition and money could greatly help him.
And Olympic gold medalist and transgender activist Caitlyn Jenner revealed last month that she was considering a Senate run as well.