While many have their eyes fixed on the political arena, a more unconventional but equally heartwarming election has captured attention in the small town of Cormorant, Minnesota. The winner? A furry, friendly Great Pyrenees named Khaleesi Sherbrooke, who has just been elected as the town’s mayor. As the second-ever mayor of Cormorant, Khaleesi follows in the pawprints of Duke, another Great Pyrenees who began the town’s unique tradition in 2015.
Khaleesi’s story is an uplifting reminder of community spirit, with a humorous twist that sees a beloved pet taking the reins of local leadership. Here’s how this adorable new mayor rose to power and what lies ahead for her time in office.
A Tradition of Unconventional Leadership
When Cormorant, a town of just over 1,400 people, decided to elect a mayor in 2015, no one could have predicted that their choice would be a neighborhood dog. What began as a fun way to raise money for the town’s annual summer festival, Cormorant Daze, quickly transformed into a beloved local tradition.
“We’ve never had a mayor before,” said Tammy Odegaard, Chairperson of Cormorant Daze. She explained that the original idea of electing a mayor was meant to be lighthearted and fun, with each vote costing $1 as a way to raise funds for the festival. However, when the votes were tallied, Duke, a Great Pyrenees cherished by the community, was chosen as mayor in a landslide victory.
Duke went on to serve as Cormorant’s mayor for several terms, representing the town at parades, festivals, and even fundraising events. His popularity never waned, and he was re-elected repeatedly until his retirement in June 2018. Sadly, Duke passed away in February 2019, and for a time, the town’s tradition of electing an animal mayor faded away—especially after the COVID-19 pandemic hit.
But in 2024, the election was revived, and once again, the town rallied around its animal candidates, with a renewed sense of excitement and engagement.
The 2024 Election: Enter Khaleesi
As political discussions dominated the national conversation, Cormorant Township decided to bring back its mayoral election, but with a twist. Nominations for the 2024 Animal Mayor Election were open from Memorial Day to the Fourth of July, and the community had three strong candidates to choose from:
Khaleesi Sherbrooke, a 3-year-old Great Pyrenees, and the eventual winner.
Ollie Einerson, an 8-month-old Golden Retriever and English Cream Golden Retriever mix.
Theodore H. Rosten, a 3-year-old Bassett Hound.
Khaleesi, whose name was inspired by the powerful character from Game of Thrones, was a clear favorite. She is a new resident of Cormorant, having recently moved to Minnesota from a wind farm in Idaho with her owners, David and Julie Sherbrooke. Despite her short time in the community, Khaleesi’s charming personality and friendly demeanor helped her quickly win the hearts of locals. According to Odegaard, Khaleesi’s time spent with workers at a construction site in Idaho contributed to her popularity.
Khaleesi’s campaign was led by her human family, and it paid off. When the votes were counted—conducted primarily via social media to allow participation from supporters far beyond Cormorant’s borders—Khaleesi won by a landslide, securing 103,000 votes.
Given that Cormorant’s population is only around 1,407, the widespread online participation helped propel Khaleesi to her landslide victory.
A New Chapter for Cormorant
On Saturday, August 19th, 2024, Khaleesi will be sworn in as the new mayor of Cormorant at the 13th Annual Cormorant Daze Festival. Her duties will include representing the town at events, parades, and even fundraisers for the local humane society—similar to the roles Duke held during his tenure. As the first female mayor of Cormorant, Khaleesi is set to usher in a new era of community spirit and fun, reinforcing the town’s quirky but beloved tradition.
Khaleesi’s victory represents more than just an amusing tale—it underscores the strong sense of community that small towns like Cormorant maintain, even in the face of national and global changes. Her election has brought joy to the town, and her presence will continue to be a source of pride and warmth.
Like her predecessor Duke, Khaleesi will likely become a local icon, participating in numerous events and initiatives that bring the community together while also supporting important causes, like the local humane society.
A Heartwarming Tale in a Time of Political Tension
In an age when politics can be divisive, Cormorant’s animal mayoral race is a refreshing reminder of the importance of community, humor, and tradition. The town’s lighthearted approach to electing a dog as mayor demonstrates that not all elections have to be serious, and that sometimes, the most unexpected candidates can bring the most joy to a community.
As Khaleesi prepares to take on her role as mayor, she will undoubtedly continue to embody the qualities that make Great Pyrenees such beloved dogs: loyalty, gentleness, and a calm presence. The town of Cormorant can look forward to many more years of furry leadership, all while continuing to celebrate the uniqueness that makes their community so special.
With Khaleesi at the helm, Cormorant can look forward to a mayoral term filled with wagging tails, fundraising successes, and, of course, plenty of treats.
