Idyllwild, California is a charming alpine town nestled at a mile-high elevation in the San Jacinto Mountains. While Idyllwild’s stunning natural scenery is enough reason to make the trip from L.A., the town is arguably more famous for its golden retriever leader, Mayor Max III. From Max’s campaign platform to his mayoral oath, here’s what to know about Idyllwild’s beloved canine mayor.
How did Mayor Max get elected?
Idyllwild is an unincorporated community with no official human mayor, and in 2012, Idyllwild Animal Rescue Friends (ARF) used this as the premise for a mayoral election-themed fundraiser open to dogs and cats. A golden retriever named Max (Maximus Mighty-Dog Mueller) won, but sadly passed away after nine months in office.
Mayor Max I was succeeded by another golden retriever named Mayor Max II in 2013, who served for nine years and became an international celebrity. When Max II passed away in July 2022, he was succeeded by Mayor Max III, and thus, the tradition of canine mayors continues to this day.
What are Mayor Max’s duties?
Mayor Max serves as a goodwill ambassador throughout Idyllwild and its surroundings, regularly frequenting the town center on Thursdays, Fridays, and weekends.
He’s known to make appearances at business grand openings, ribbon cuttings, and town functions, as well as hospitals, schools, and nursing homes. You may also see Mayor Max in local promotions, tourism campaigns, and promotional materials for local causes and charities.
Like any good mayor, Mayor Max’s platform is based on an official oath of office, which reads as follows:
“I, Max, do swear on my food bowl to faithfully execute my duties as Mayor of Idyllwild. I am proud to take this oath, knowing that my human campaign manager went above and beyond to finance this election campaign. Just as it is in Chicago and all of New Jersey, I am proud that also in Idyllwild money can, to contradict the Beatles, buy me both love and public office. I will be a role model as Mayor for all canines, felines and humines, so help me ARF!”
Mayor Max is supported by his sister, Vice Mayor Meadow, and two human chiefs of staff, Phyllis Mueller and Glenn Warren. As full-time volunteers, they manage and fund his official mayoral appearances, PR, and community involvement. You can donate to their efforts at the Office of the Mayor of Idyllwild website.
What is there to do in Idyllwild?
Despite Idyllwild’s early days as a popular summer mountain destination, it’s managed to retain its rustic charm and small community feel thanks to its location in the protected San Jacinto Forest.
Many visitors make the trip to explore the surrounding natural landscapes, which support all sorts of outdoor recreational activities, including hiking, rock climbing, mountain biking, horseback riding, and camping.
Idyllwild also preserves its legacy as a mountain arts enclave thanks to organizations like the Art Alliance of Idyllwild and the Idyllwild Arts Academy.
You can reach Idyllwild in about 2 hours from L.A. via I-10 and Highway 243.