By Kevin Hendricks, The Paper.
Corrales’ most unconventional election is in full swing, and this year’s crop of candidates — a rooster, a mini highland calf and a dachshund duo among them — has already raised nearly $4,000 for Corrales Animal Services, the village’s no-kill shelter.
Fourteen animal candidates filed to run in the 2026 Pet Mayor Election, according to event organizers. With about two months left before voting closes, organizers are aiming for a $10,000 fundraising goal. The race has already seen steady turnout at in-person events and online voting.
Votes cost $1 each in person or $2 minimum online, and supporters can cast as many as they like — meaning, as organizers put it, this election really can be bought. Voting runs through 5 p.m. Sept. 26, with the newly elected Pet Mayor crowned the following day during the Corrales Harvest Festival Pet Parade.
This year’s ballot includes candidates such as Shotgun Valentine, Poptart the mini horse, Marshal the horse and Lemu “Da Baby,” a rooster campaigning on a “cock-a-doodle-doo-ing it for Corrales” platform. All proceeds support the shelter’s work with domestic, livestock and wildlife animals in the village.
Meet the 2026 Candidates
Shotgun Valentine
The boxer in the cowboy hat is running on nostalgia, campaigning as “The Good, the Goofy & the Mayor.” Equal parts underbite and charisma.
Poptart
This miniature horse is proof size isn’t everything: “Half the size, twice the heart.” A pocket-sized platform with a big fundraising ask.
Bill
The Yorkie doesn’t mince words — official slogan: “He’s got a lot to say.” Corrales’ shaggiest candidate is banking on volume.
Whiskey
Running as the informed voter’s choice, Whiskey promises to keep “the village updated one bark at a time.” A dog for the news junkies.
Vinny
A miniature highland calf entering the race with a simple pitch: “A little more moo, a lot more community.” A Corrales bovine bids for office.
Jaxson & Addie
A dachshund ticket, because why run alone? Their slogan, “Weiners take all,” suggests they’re not worried about vote-splitting.
Quincess Leia
Star Wars-collared and Corrales-focused, Quincess Leia is offering voters “a new leash of hope.” May the votes be with her.
Marshal
Corrales’ lone equestrian-and-rider ticket, Marshal campaigns as “Finally a politician you can bridle” — a dig at the usual crop of candidates, presumably.
Emmylou
No frills, no gimmicks — just a straightforward campaign promise: “Too cute to lose!” Sometimes the simplest platform is the strongest.
Venom
The race’s lone invertebrate, this centipede is leaning into the creep factor with “Small but leg-endary.” Not for the squeamish voter.
Lomi Lou
Also known as Paloma and sporting an actual mayoral sash, Lomi Lou’s campaign motto doubles as a warning: “Stealing hearts & sniffing butts all across Corrales.”
Simone
This horse isn’t being modest: “Neigh to the rest… vote for the best!” A confident closer in a crowded field.
Lemu “Da Baby”
Corrales’ only poultry candidate, this rooster is “cock-a-doodle-doo-ing it for Corrales” — proof the race welcomes all species, feathered included.
Willow
A pet python, Willow promises voters they’ll “sleep sound on your pillow” under her watch. Whether that’s reassuring or unsettling probably depends on how you feel about snakes.
Vote or follow the race:
- Online voting: corralesharvestfestival.com/pet-mayoral-election
- Facebook: facebook.com/Corralespetmayor
- Instagram: instagram.com/corralespetmayorelection
- Questions: Susan, 505-203-4281 or PetMayorCorrales@gmail.com