Max, the Canine Mayor of Idyllwild, CA

Mayor Max #1

Did you know there's a town in California with a dog as a mayor?  According to his website at MayorMax.com:

Max (Maximus Mighty-Dog Mueller) was voted into office during an election held on June 11, 12, and 13, 2012 in Idyllwild, and was inaugurated to a one-year term on July 1, 2012.

As Idyllwild is a non-incorporated town, it has no human mayor. Idyllwild Animal Rescue Friends, a non-profit 501(c)(3), sponsored its first-ever election for cats and dogs. Constituents cast their votes via $1 donations each, and all $31,000 of the proceeds benefited ARF. 14 dogs and 2 cats were nominated and ran for office.

Max's popularity moved the people of Idyllwild to appeal to ARF for his continuation in office. On February 9, 2013, ARF announced he extension of his one-year term to a second and final year, ending on June 30, 2014.






On April 2, 2013, Mayor Max passed away. The successor for the remainder of Max's term, Maximus Mighty-Dog Mueller, II, arrived in Idyllwild on July 21, 2013. Idyllwild Animal Rescue Friends approved his mayoral transition plan.

Mayor Max II

Upon his arrival to Idyllwild, Max was accompanied by two deputy mayors: Mikey and Mitzi (Mikey Mighty-Dog Mueller and Mitzi Marie Mueller). The trio is often referred to as "the Mayor and the spares" or simply "the Mayors of Idyllwild."

In March of 2014, as the June 30 end of Max's term approached, ARF solicited the town's interest in holding another election. Once again, the people overwhelmingly pled for Mayor Max's continuation in perpetuity. Mayor Max and his two deputies, Mikey and Mitzi, continue to serve the town of Idyllwild.

You can contact the Mayor at his website!