US Citizens Elect Surprising New ‘Mayor’ for Town

In what turned out to be a historic election, this town voted a horse as mayor, replacing the incumbent Golden Labrador.

A crowd of roughly 100 of the 355 residents in Omena, Michigan gathered in a church parking lot to hear Sally Viskochil, president of the local historical society, announce their new mayor.

“Our new mayor is… Lucky!” she exclaimed.

Some cheered, others were shocked. After all, Lucky is the first horse to be elected mayor of Omena.

Of course, the residents of Omena weren’t worried that an animal had won the election, that was the norm.

The Omena Historical Society began a fundraiser in 2009 to elect the small town’s first ever mayor but instead of significant local politicians and businessmen being on the docket, there were horses, dogs, cats, and even a snail. The event raised money by selling voting ballots at $1.00 each.

As of 2024, all of Omena’s mayors have been dogs (except for a single cat), so Lucky’s victory was met with a bit of controversy.

The Free Press reported some bystander reactions after the winner was announced.

“Boy,” Mike McKenzie, 53, said. “I guess people really are fed up with the old two-species system.”

For reference, Lucky’s competition included 12 dogs, five cats, and one goat.

“The horse isn’t even from here,” complained Cathy Stephenson, campaign manager for cats Topsy and Turvy.

“Isn’t he moving here?” another woman asked. “That’s what I heard.”

“Well, he should’ve waited to run till he lives here full time,” Stephenson replied.

In some interesting ways, the inconsequential animal election has mimicked real life politics. This includes when an Australian Shepard promised to “build a wall” to keep out geese in 2021, and arguments over whether or not 8-year-old incumbent mayor Rosie, a Golden Labrador, is too old to run for a second term.

“It’s hard not too worry about the age question,” one woman told The Free Press.

“Doesn’t experience matter more?” another bystander asked. “I want someone in office I can trust.”

And the office isn’t just for show. The mayor of Omena is expected to appear at “all functions important to the village’s place in Leelanau County,” including meetings, galas, and other public events.

At the end of the day, the people in Omena know the whole thing is silly. Even if their candidates fight on the political battlefield, McKenzie said it was all just for fun.

“All politics are stupid,” McKenzie said. “At least we’re having fun with it, and we’re still friends at the end of the day.