1. Mayor of Omena – Omena, Michigan
In 2004, the town of Omena, Michigan, found a lighthearted way to raise money for the Omena Historical Society by electing a dog named Brewster as the town’s honorary mayor. According to The Free Press, Brewster was a lovable mutt who became a town mascot and symbol of community pride. The mayoral race wasn’t taken seriously in the traditional political sense, but it brought people together for a fun cause. The town had been looking for a way to raise funds, and this campaign provided an amusing and effective solution. People from Omena and neighboring towns voted for Brewster in the race, and the event garnered local and national attention. While Brewster didn’t actually perform any official duties, he served as a figurehead and helped promote various local events.
The campaign was part of a larger effort to support the historical society, and the publicity from Brewster’s win raised significant awareness for the town. Brewster’s mayoral role was purely ceremonial, but it represented the close-knit community spirit of Omena. The event also inspired similar campaigns in other small towns, where dogs have been used to bring attention to charitable causes. Brewster may not have held any real power, but his charm and popularity showed that even dogs can be leaders in their own way. The event remains a cherished memory in the town of Omena, and Brewster’s election was a reminder that sometimes the best campaigns are those that bring joy.
2. Mason – Sunol, California
Bosco Ramos, a mixed breed of black Labrador and Rottweiler, served as the honorary mayor of Sunol, California, from 1981 until his death in 1994. Elected as a joke, he triumphed over two human candidates, making history as America’s first dog mayor. According to Local News Matters, Bosco became a beloved town figure, often seen outside the local bar where he would beg for treats and even accompany inebriated patrons on sobering walks along the railroad tracks. He also led the town’s Halloween parade and attended social events dressed in a formal tuxedo.
Bosco’s popularity extended beyond Sunol; after surviving a devastating fire in 1987, he became a symbol of resilience. In 1989, following the Tiananmen Square protests, he was invited to a pro-democracy rally, with a Chinese newspaper citing his election as a critique of authoritarian politics. Despite his fame, Bosco’s personal life was quiet, spending his days wandering the town and fathering many puppies. He passed away peacefully in 1994, but his legacy lives on, with a statue commemorating his tenure as the town’s dog mayor, unveiled in 2008.
3. Rex – Cormorant, Minnesota
In August 2024, Khaleesi, a Great Pyrenees, was elected as the honorary mayor of Cormorant Township, Minnesota, succeeding the late Duke, who had served four consecutive terms. According to USA Today, the election, held during the township’s annual festival, was a lighthearted tradition where residents vote for a dog to serve as mayor. Khaleesi’s victory was celebrated by the community, with her owners, the Sherbrooke family, expressing pride in her new role.
Cormorant Township, located in Becker County, is known for its picturesque lakes and small-town charm. The township has a population of approximately 1,039 residents, according to the 2010 census. The tradition of electing a dog as mayor began in 2014 when a Great Pyrenees named Duke won the ceremonial position. Duke served four consecutive terms before his passing in 2019. Khaleesi’s election continues this unique tradition, bringing joy and a sense of community to the residents of Cormorant Township.
4. Maximus Mighty-Dog Mueller II – Idyllwild, California
According to ABC News, in 2012, the unincorporated town of Idyllwild, California, initiated a unique tradition by electing a dog as its honorary mayor. The first canine mayor, Maximus Mighty-Dog Mueller, known as Max I, was a golden retriever who won the election with two-thirds of the vote, raising $31,000 for the Idyllwild Animal Rescue Friends (ARF). Following Max I’s passing in 2013, his successor, Maximus Mighty-Dog Mueller II, or Max II, assumed the role at just 11 weeks old. In 2014, the town appointed Max II as mayor for life, solidifying the tradition. Max II, along with his deputy mayors, Mikey and Mitzi, also golden retrievers, actively participated in community events, including parades, hospital visits, and school appearances. They traveled in custom “mayor mobiles” adorned with the mayor’s logo.
The trio’s presence brought joy to residents and visitors alike, embodying the town’s spirit and commitment to community engagement. Their involvement in local events and charitable activities highlighted the town’s unique approach to leadership and community bonding. Max II served as mayor until his passing in July 2022. He was succeeded by his cousin, Maximus Mighty-Dog Mueller III, who was sworn in on December 10, 2022. The tradition of electing canine mayors in Idyllwild has garnered national attention, showcasing the town’s creativity and the deep bond between its residents and their pets. This unique practice continues to be a source of pride and joy for the community.
5. Buddy – Fairfax, Vermont
In 2018, Fair Haven, Vermont, initiated a unique tradition by electing Lincoln, a Nubian goat, as its honorary mayor. According to AP News, this unconventional election aimed to raise funds for renovating the community playground and to engage local youth in civic activities. Lincoln’s tenure was marked by community events and fundraising efforts, successfully raising approximately $10,000 for the playground project. In 2020, the town continued this tradition by electing Murfee, a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, as mayor. Murfee’s owner, Linda Barker, played a pivotal role in fundraising, creating and selling nearly 1,000 masks, which generated over $5,000.
Additionally, she organized basket raffles, contributing a similar amount to the funds. The town also received a $50,000 grant from the federal Land and Water Conservation Fund, further supporting the playground renovation. These initiatives highlight the community’s innovative approach to civic engagement and fundraising, utilizing the charm of elected animal mayors to unite residents and support local projects. The success of these efforts underscores the effectiveness of creative community involvement in achieving tangible outcomes.
