Mayor Max II

Maximus Mighty-Dog Mueller II is the second and current Mayor of Idyllwild, California.[1] He has Deputy Mayors (cousins), Mitzi and Mikey.[2] The town is known for being one of the first to elect a dog for mayor.[3]

Mayor Max II in his visiting truck, November 24, 2013

As Idyllwild is an unincorporated town, it has no local government. In 2012, as a fundraiser envisioned by, held by, and for the benefit of local animal rescue non-profit organization Idyllwild Animal Rescue Friends (ARF), town locals held an election for which locals could nominate their dogs and cats to run for Mayor. Fourteen dogs and two cats ran, and Max, a Golden Retriever, was elected as its first mayor. In 2013, Mayor Max died, and Maximus Mighty Dog Mueller II, another Golden Retriever, arrived in Idyllwild to complete the remainder of the term. In March 2014, as the end of Max's term approached, ARF solicited the town's interest in holding another election. The people overwhelmingly pled for Mayor Max's continuation in perpetuity.[4]

The Mayor’s duties include visiting with locals and out-of-town visitors, attending business grand openings and other town functions, being in the town’s two annual parades, and promoting Idyllwild. Max’s notoriety has spread the world over. He has appeared on news programs, talk shows, advertisements, billboards, and a game show in the interest of the town.

Mayor Max is recognized by the County of Riverside, California.[5]

Mayor Max and his Deputy Mayors continue to serve the town of Idyllwild.