In Somerville, Massachusetts, dozens of animals are engaged in an election for a very, very important office – with more commitment than some political realities have ever seen.
In Somerville, Massachusetts, a tough election campaign is currently underway, one that officially carries no administrative powers – and yet is being conducted with the seriousness of a real mayoral race. More than 50 animals, including cats, dogs, a parrot, a guinea pig, a snake, and a turtle, are running for the post of “Bike Path Mayor” along the Somerville Community Path.
Berry vs. Orange Cat: From Neighborhood Joke To Election Campaign
It all began in 2023 with a single candidate: the cat Berry. Her owner put up an election poster with the slogan “Make Cats Outside Again.” The message was less political than practical: Berry was not to be mistaken for a stray, but rather as an outdoor cat who treats the bike and pedestrian path as her own backyard.
The quiet period did not last long. Orange Cat soon emerged as a challenger, running under the name “Catalyst Party” and demanding “fair and free elections.” This marked the beginning of an open rivalry between the two animals, which continues to dominate public interest. Both candidates are regularly present along the path, their supporters carefully documenting events – particularly in local online forums. The most recent incidents were also recorded there: at one point, Berry’s campaign poster disappeared and only reappeared hours later. For some residents, a clear case of “dirty politics.”
there's an election for Cat Mayor currently happening in Somerville, Mass. and every cat deserves to win pic.twitter.com/Ul1x3vz5JM
— cats being weird little guys (@weirdlilguys) August 7, 2025
By now, the field of candidates has exploded. In addition to more cats, other species are now on the ballot as well, including a joint dog candidacy, a turtle, and a snake whose political agenda remains unclear. The campaigns are surprisingly organized: there are party names such as the “Indoor Cat Party” or the “Com-meow-nist Party,” public appearances along the path, and clearly formulated election promises. Candidate Pirate, for example, calls for “More Kibble for All” and prints a QR code on his posters for online voting.
Despite this diversity, Berry remains the frontrunner, which observers mainly attribute to her constant presence on the “campaign trail.” The race remains open, however, and quite a few residents plan to cast their votes only at the last moment. Voting ends on September 5 – the same day that the voter registration deadline closes in Somerville.