In a delightful twist of fate, Austin has welcomed its first canine mayor, a Pug-Chihuahua mix named Mo Bamba, who has already captured hearts and wagged tails. The furry politician was inaugurated last week after a successful campaign that saw over 12,000 ballots cast in the 37th Street pet mayoral election.
“Only in America could a little puppy born on the border with parvo make it all the way to becoming mayor of 37th Street,” exclaimed Spencer Schumacher, Mo Bamba’s campaign manager, during his acceptance speech.
This year’s election marked the fourth annual event organized by residents alongside the 37th Street Lights holiday display, aimed at boosting civic engagement in Austin’s human mayoral race. Organizer Maddy Braat noted, “In 2022, there was a runoff happening simultaneously with the holiday lights opening, and we thought, ‘We should have our own election to plant the seed.’
The tradition began with an orange cat named Dragon, followed by another orange cat, Zapp, who served two terms before being narrowly defeated by Mo Bamba. The competition this year included several other feline candidates and even a stuffed animal.
In a charming ceremony, outgoing Mayor Zapp, held by Braat, shook paws with the newly elected Mo Bamba, symbolizing a peaceful transition of power. “The cats have dominated the street in a form of tyranny that we have not seen in this country, that was frankly anti-democratic, and [Mo Bamba] broke that glass ceiling,” Schumacher remarked.
Mo Bamba was adopted as a puppy from a rescue in Round Rock and is named after the popular song “Mo Bamba” by Sheck Wes, which also pays homage to a former University of Texas basketball player. Now three years old, Mo Bamba enjoys playing fetch in his yard, a trait that endeared him to many voters during the bustling winter months of 37th Street Lights.
The election was particularly competitive, with campaign posters lining the streets and voter turnout exceeding that of previous years. Allegations of voter fraud arose during the ballot counting process, a claim Mo Bamba’s campaign firmly denied. Ultimately, the results were certified, leading to Zapp’s concession.
On inauguration night, Braat, speaking on behalf of Zapp, expressed gratitude: “It has been a pleasure to serve as your mayor for the past two years, and I look forward to my retirement, where I will be sleeping on the porch for 12 to 18 hours at a time.”
The role of 37th Street mayor extends beyond mere symbolism. Braat emphasized the responsibilities that come with the position, which include engaging with constituents by observing local wildlife. “There’s looking at birds, looking at owls, looking at squirrels, sometimes even mice. And that takes up a lot of time of the 37th Street mayor historically,” she explained. “But more than anything, I think what all mayors want to do is keep Christmas lights free forever.”
Mo Bamba has ambitious plans for his term, starting with the installation of fire hydrants at every residence and awarding government contracts to those who excel at fetch. Spencer Schumacher declared, “He wants to fight for the people. His slogan is, he won’t just fight for you, he will bark at you.”
In a nod to civic engagement, Mo Bamba also urged Austinites to participate in the upcoming human elections. Erin Schumacher shared his message: “Please go vote. Use your democratic right and vote for the candidate that you believe is best.”
The deadline for Texas residents to register for the March 3 primary election is February 2. For more information on important election dates, residents can visit the Texas Secretary of State’s website.
