😸The Pets Who Have Run for Political Office in the US🐶

                                                      💫cat cute😽

    ✨Getting more pets into politics is one issue that has the ability to unite our divided nation on almost everything else.

     🎈On April 24, Hell, Michigan, a municipality outside of Ann Arbor, Michigan, which charges $100 for a "Mayor of the Day" package, made history by electing Jinx, the big-eyed black cat with over 435,000 Instagram followers, as its first pet mayor. We hope that this is not the last time the small town has a non-human ruler for the sake of cutesy internet material. This is the first time the town has had one. Though Jinx hasn't released their executive order list yet, we expect it to be heavy on sardine access, feline maternal health, and the much-needed laser pointer restriction.

📸 @bigfootjinx, Jinx / Instagram

   🎉 Let's examine a few more animal leaders who have ruled our country with a kind iron hand.

Max I & Max II: Mayors of Idyllwild

📸mayormax1 / Instagram

    🥳Idyllwild, California is a non-incorporated town that had no politicians until 2012, when a local animal rescue sponsored the town's first election. Maximus Mighty-Dog Mueller, a golden retriever, emerged victorious in a landslide, raising $31,000 for Idyllwild Animal Rescue Friends (ARF) and launching him into local celebrity. After Max I died on April 2, 2013, his successor, Max II, accepted Max's invitation to serve a second term in office because of his high approval rating.

     🐕With the support of Mikey and Mitzi, his dependable deputy mayors, Max II continues to hold office today. He welcomes hikers on the Pacific Coast Trail, promotes dog adoption, and boosts tourism in the area. Mayor Max has merchandise even.

Duke: Mayor of Cormorant Village

   📸WeRateDogs / Instagram

     🎪Superior Pyranees Duke garnered all but one vote in his 2016 reelection campaign for a third term, having been elected as Cormorant Village, Michigan's ceremonial mayor in 2014. During his tenure as mayor, this cuddly polar bear represented the small town by frequenting the local bar and ensuring that no mischief was committed while he was in charge. In order to concentrate on his health, Duke retired from office in 2018. He died at the age of 13 in the early months of 2019. He will always be associated with his small hat and involvement in local politics.🎡

Stubbs: Mayor of Talkeetna

📸Stubbs Mayor Cat / Instagram

     😺The mayor of Talkeetna, a small town in Alaska, had a 19-year reign of power that most politicians would envy. Stubbs, a strawberry blond cat, gained the office in a write-in campaign after the town's 900 residents decided none of the human candidates were qualified to compete in the 1997 mayoral election. He maintained the role until his death in 2016 at the age of twenty. During his term in government, Stubbs sought to keep taxes low and spent the most of his time demanding attention from his position at the general store. His brother, Denali, continues to carry on his legacy.

Lincoln: Mayor of Fair Haven

📸Lincoln, the Goat / Instagram

     🐐There are more animals besides dogs and cats that run for office. Lincoln, a three-year-old Nubian goat, defeated sixteen other contenders to become the mayor of Fair Haven, Vermont, for a one-year term in 2019. Lincoln participated in the Memorial Day parade, attended community activities, and greeted guests to the town while serving as president. 2020 saw the election of Murfee, a King Cavalier Charles Spaniel, to succeed Lincoln. He held the position for two years before being beaten this past march by Elsa, another goat. Lincoln is a goat—the greatest of all time, if you will.🎐

Lucy Lou: Mayor of Rabbit Hash

  🐰When border collie Lucy Lou was elected Rabbit Hash, Kentucky's first female mayor in 2008, she joined the pantheon of feminist icons. It should come as no surprise that she defeated the other contenders with a motto like "The Bitch You Can Count On." In Rabbit Hash, Lucy welcomed guests, advertised neighborhood events, and worked as a spokeswoman for a women's crisis center during her eight-year term. In order to gather money for the restoration of the town's old general store, Lucy resigned in 2016. She died in 2018 at the age of 12. Lady Stone, the heir and fellow collie, continues the battle for women's rights.💓

Parker: Mayor of Georgetown

📸Mayor Parker the Snow Dog / Instagram

    🐾 Bernese Mountain Dog, age five Parker has been serving as Georgetown, Colorado's honorary mayor since 2020, and he is enjoying his role. Parker is "committed to bringing hugs, love, and cookies to the people of Georgetown," according to his website—a campaign pledge we can support. The official mascot of Loveland Ski Area is Parker the Snow Dog, who hangs out with the local sports teams, interacts with the challenged community, and provides hugs all over the town. Certainly, there are benefits to serving as a local ambassador!

Sweet Tart: Mayor of Omena

📸@omenamayor Sweet Tart / Instagram

     😻In 2018, city council elections were held in Omena, Michigan, a community of 300 people, with one requirement: the candidates had to be animals. Let's meet Sweet Tart, a Norwegian Forest Cat who dutifully held the position of first feline mayor of the town until 2021, when she was deposed by Rosie Disch, a local dog. In addition to her excellent resume, which includes multiple advanced degrees, Sweet Tart continues to serve as Second Vice Mayor. Though she doesn't often appear in public, Sweet Tart is renowned for her amazing sense of style and her vast collection of hats.💖