Melrose Place star and Clavin Klein model Antonio Sabato Jr to run for Congress

The Los Angeles Times reports that the actor/model, 45, has filed paperwork with federal regulators to begin raising money for the contest in the 26th Congressional District, northwest of Los Angeles.

Sabato Jr, who has spoken out before in support of US President Donald Trump, is set to pitch his run as that of a Washington outsider. He wants to focus on the needs of veterans and substance abuse.

He will be looking to unseat Julia Brownley, 64, who has represented the southern central coast and a large portion of Ventura County since 2013. Her last victory in the 2016 election was by a margin of 20 points.

Republican strategist Charles Moran confirmed Sabato Jr’s run, saying he will serve as the actor’s fundraiser.

“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 [Congressional] District,” Mr Moran said.

Antonio Sabato Jr on Hollywood blacklist

Sabato Jr has said that Hollywood has shut its doors to him giving his political views.

The actor’s views have caused controversy before, including the time he falsely claimed that former US President Barack Obama was a Muslim.

Antonio Sabato Jr on Obama

Sabato Jr is most well-known for his acting roles to include General Hospital as Jagger Cates and Melrose Place as Jack Parezi, and his commercial campaign as a model for Calvin Klein underwear.

He has three children, including one with Oscar nominee Virginia Madsen.