Top 9 Animal Mayors In The United States
The most honest, loyal, and trustworthy politicians are… animals, of course.
Several towns in the United States have decided to elect animals as mayor, even though the position is usually ceremonial. Countless species of animals have run but dogs, cats, goats, and a cow has been elected to office. Some towns have little to no competition while others have over a dozen candidates, including humans.
The animal candidates must campaign, just like human politicians, to win over their constituents. The twist to campaigning in some towns is the animal candidates must earn money for a special cause to the town, whether it be for the local animal shelter or historical society. The animal with the most votes/donations wins.
Check out some of the best animal mayors (past and present) below.
Mayor Sweet Tart, Cat in Michigan
Omena, a small village in Michigan, has had an animal mayor for over a decade with elections held every three years. Voters near and far are allowed to participate as long as they pay the dollar to cast their vote. The money raised goes to the Omena Historical Society.
The historical society’s president, Sally Shapiro, told MLive, “People were just looking for something fun in politics. Fun in politics is definitely hard to find.”
Mayor Sweet Tart McKee was elected in 2018 and made history as the first feline mayor of the town. The three previous mayors were all dogs.
She didn’t let the fame get to her head. While she wasn’t a fan of greeting her constituents, she did make an appearance at the annual dog parade. At the most recent election, she lost her title to a yellow lab named Rosie Disch, but she doesn’t seem to mind.
Mayor Max, Golden Retriever in California
In 2018, a golden retriever named Maximus Mighty-Dog Mueller, shortened to Max, won with two-thirds of the votes and became the first mayor of Idyllwild, California. Voters paid a dollar to vote for their favorite animal candidate with all the money going to Idyllwild Animal Rescue Friends.
Max won the hearts of his neighbors with his meet-and-greets and they asked for him to continue in perpetuity as Mayor. Sadly, the original Max and Max II have crossed the Rainbow Bridge. They are survived by Deputy Mayors, Mikey and Mitzi, and Chiefs of Staff, Phyllis and Glenn.
The tradition will continue as a golden puppy named Mayor Max the Third has taken office and will meet his people in December.
Mayor Duke, Great Pyrenees in Minnesota
A Great Pyrenees named Duke was the mayor of Cormorant, Minnesota, for four terms before passing away in 2019. The gentle giant guarded the town and made people feel safe and welcomed. He was paid in a one-year supply of dog food, which was the perfect form of payment to Duke.
Mayor Wilbur, French Bulldog in Kentucky
A six-month-old French Bulldog named Wilbur is the mayor of Rabbit Hash, Kentucky. The town has had an animal mayor for years and is decided by locals and people around the world casting a vote for their top pick by donating a dollar. The money raised goes to local animal rescues and Rabbit Hash Historical Society.
Wilbur welcomes you to his town and is often out and about greeting locals and visitors. His mission is to, “spread smiles for many miles!” Follow him on Facebook.
Mayor Stubbs, Cat in Alaska
Mayor Stubbs was the feline mayor of Talkeetna, Alaska from 1997 until he passed at the age of 20 in 2017. He was not elected by was the honorary mayor and loved by all.
He had a stubbed tail, hence his name, and was rescued by the manager of Nagley’s General Store. He served his terms at the store and will never be forgotten. Learn more about him in the video below.
Mayor Bosco, Rottweiler mix in California
The Rottweiler/Labrador mix named Bosco ran against two human components for mayor of Sunol, California in 1981 and won. He did such a great job that he was reelected until he passed away in 1994.
The small-town mayor made national news and was never replaced after he passed.
Check out the video below to hear his full story.
Mayor Lincoln, Goat in Vermont
Lincoln was the first mayor of Fair Haven, Vermont, and the goat held the position until 2020 where she lost to Murfee, a Cavalier King Charles spaniel.
Mayor Clay Henry, Goat in Texas
This beer-loving goat lost his first election to a human but won four years later. Clay Henry was mayor of the ghost town, Terlingua, Texas. He attracted celebrities and visitors from around the country who would stop and have a beer with him before exploring the town. He has since passed on, but the tradition of a goat mayor continues in the Southern Texas town.
Mayor April, Cow in Washington
A cow named April was elected Mayor of Eastsound, Washington, by locals writing her name on the ballot. She held the position for a year before she passed away. The current mayor is a 4-year-old Pomeranian named Sweet Girl Love. The top issues she hopes to address are:
- Canine access to all businesses
- More people should stop and smell the roses and cuddle little dogs
- Treats for everyone
I don’t know about you, but I would totally vote for an animal candidate. Be sure to vote today and remember there is usually a line to write in who you really want.
