XSomerville, Massachusetts, is holding one of the most unique political battles in the country with over 50 animals including cats, dogs, a parrot, guinea pig, snake, and tortoise campaigning for “mayor.”
The Somerville Bike Path Mayor election, which began in 2023 with a single cat candidate named Berry, has exploded into a full-scale pet political war. Berry’s original campaign, built on the promise to “Make Cats Outside Again,” was meant to reassure locals that she wasn’t a stray, just an outdoor adventurer.
What started as a lighthearted way to connect the community quickly turned competitive. Rival candidate Orange Cat, representing the Catalyst party, entered the fray demanding “fair and free elections,” setting up a high-profile feline rivalry.
Animals campaign to become bike path “mayor”
Now, the race has expanded beyond cats. Dogs, a parrot, a guinea pig, a snake, and even a tortoise have joined the ballot. Despite the diverse field, Berry remains the frontrunner thanks to her constant presence on the “campaign trail.”
“It’s become a very fierce competition since our initial pool of candidates,” said Andrea Wen, a local resident. Another voter, Emily Hyde, said her out-of-state relatives are so invested they’ve even asked for mail-in ballots.
The campaign hasn’t been without controversy. Berry’s sign was reportedly stolen before reappearing hours later.
“It’s dirty politics,” a Somerville resident told NBC. “The original race, we have photo evidence, it’s all over the Somerville Discord, was Orange Cat versus Berry, who’s the incumbent. I see Berry all the time. I see Orange Cat almost as much. And then other candidates started coming in and then Berry’s sign was stolen.”
Meanwhile, humans are also busy canvassing for their favorites. “I spent all day canvassing for Dom for domination. Very effective, a lot of interest,” remarked Davis Hitch.
“I’m a big fan of Nagi the tortoise. I think his age and experience is good,” argued another voter, Gabe Smith.
With voting open via a QR code along the bike path, the race will conclude when the winner is announced on September 5.
The election has gone viral on social media, with citizens celebrating the animals as putting on the “election we deserve.”
“Finally… some real candidates that deserve our attention and votes,” another said.
Whether it’s cats, dogs, or a parrot, Somerville’s next bike path mayor will be anything but ordinary.
