The Pets Who Have Run for Political Office in the US

in a country divided on just about everything, there’s one issue with the potential to unify our nation. That issue is getting more pets into politics. 

On April 24, Jinx, the big-eyed black cat with over 435,000 Instagram followers, was the first pet mayor of Hell, Michigan, a town outside of Ann Arbor, Michigan that offers a “Mayor of the Day” package for $100. It’s the first time the small town had a non-human ruler, and for the sake of adorable internet content we hope it won’t be the last. Although Jinx has not yet delivered their list of executive orders, we’re anticipating them to focus on increased access to sardines, feline maternal health, and a long-awaited laser pointer ban. 

1. Jinx is a big-eyed black cat with over 435,000 Instagram followers. She was the first pet mayor of Hell, Michigan on April 24, 2016.
2. Max I & Max II: Mayors of Idyllwild
   Idyllwild, California, was politician-free until 2012. Golden Retriever Maximus Mighty-Dog Mueller won the town’s first-ever election in 2012. Max II succeeded him after Max I passed away.
3. Duke: Mayor of Cormorant Village
   Great Pyranees Duke was elected as the ceremonial mayor of Cormorant Village, Michigan in 2014. He was hugely popular.
4. Stubbs: Mayor of Talkeetna
   Strawberry blond cat Stubbs won the position in a write-in campaign. He enjoyed a 19-year reign of power in Talkeetna, Alaska.
5. Lincoln: Mayor of Fair Haven
   Three-year-old Nubian goat Lincoln served a one-year term as the Mayor of Fair Haven, Vermont. He beat out 16 other candidates on a 2019 ballot.
6. Lucy Lou: Mayor of Rabbit Hash
   Lucy Lou was a Border collie. She became the first female mayor of Rabbit Hash, Kentucky, in 2008. She served for eight years.
7. Parker: Mayor of Georgetown
   5-year-old Bernese Mountain Dog Parker has been the honorary mayor of Georgetown, Colorado since 2020. Parker has been serving in this role for several years.
8. Sweet Tart: Mayor of Omena
   The 300-person town of Omena, Michigan held local council elections in 2018. Sweet Tart, a Norwegian Forest Cat, served as the town’s first feline mayor. She was unseated in 2021.

These animal leaders have certainly made a mark on their local communities. Their stories are a testament to the unique and heartwarming ways in which animals can play a role in politics.