Bill Maher has wrung the most comedy — and attention — he can out of his campaign to unseat a little known Republican congressman from Minnesota. But on Tuesday, things get serious for Mr. Maher, the host of HBO’s “Real Time”: He wants to win.

Or at least come close.

“If we could flip this guy, or at least make it way closer than it’s ever been,” Mr. Maher said in a telephone interview, “I think it would send a message.”

The message Mr. Maher has wanted to send since his show began what he called a “flip the district” campaign last June is that voters should be better informed about their representatives, many of whom have little to worry about, because they come from districts set up to ensure incumbents are re-elected. “There is too much money in the system and too much apathy,” he said.

Other television shows and comedians have dipped a toe into political campaigns. Stephen Colbert made a comedy-based run (in his blowhard conservative character) for president in 2008, and in 2011 started a so-called super PAC that highlighted loose campaign finance laws. Long before, Pat Paulsen made his presidential candidacy a running gag on “The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour” in 1968. Neither of those efforts had any serious intent, however, as Mr. Maher’s has.