Voting for Morongo Valley Mayor Election underway: may the best dog, pig, or snake win

What was once known as the Morongo Valley Dog Mayor Election is now being called The Morongo Valley Mayor Election, in effort to be more inclusive with other furry, feathery, and this year, scaly politicians. 

From 2022-24, local canines were secure as the only animal allowed in the Dog Mayor Election. Mayor Roxy, the dog from American Fuel and Food, held office for the first two years, before she was suddenly replaced by last minute candidate Ziggy the Chicken in 2024. Sadly, Ziggy passed away mid-term last summer, returning Roxy to duty as the interim mayor, and once again, the incumbent to beat this year. 

This year, ten other candidates are running against Roxy, including eight dogs, a pig, and a snake! Election organizer Buddy Stogner told Z1077 this year’s official polling place is Small Town Grill. Voting started on Monday, September 15, and will end Wednesday, October 15, with results announced at this year’s Halloween Extravaganza at Covington Park on October 18. Each vote costs one dollar, no limit on entries. Proceeds will go to the Morongo Valley Youth Softball League, who hope to purchase a digital scoreboard for the softball field. 

Candidates include:

Roxy

At 9-years-old, Roxy the Mastiff Mix has already made history in Morongo Valley. Twice elected by popular vote, she is now proudly serving her third term as the valley’s most beloved and pawsitive leader. Known for her big heart, gentle spirit, and undeniable charisma, Roxy has become more than just a mayor—she’s a symbol of community, loyalty, and joy. No one can deny her political experience and charismatic prowess. Out of all her opponents, she by far has the most experience serving her community and hopes she can continue her legacy.

Yogi

For the past three terms, the 4-year-old Great Pyrenees Yogi has proudly served as the town’s doggy sheriff, keeping watch with gentle eyes, a steady paw, and a calm spirit that makes everyone feel safe and welcome. Now, this sweet and patient giant is ready to take his service to the next level! Yogi’s campaign includes unlimited hugs and extra pets for all residents, free tennis balls in every yard, mandatory water breaks for humans who think they can jog at noon in July, no more vacuum cleaners terrorizing the town, the right for every dog to be a lap dog no matter their size, and a spirit of patience, peace, and togetherness leading the way.

Mollie

Mollie is a 2-year-old Shorkie (that’s Shih Tzu + Yorkie = maximum cuteness, minimal height, infinite attitude). Though she may weigh only nine pounds, Mollie has the heart of a lion, the bark of an air horn, and the determination of a squirrel chasing a peanut. Her political experience includes passing important legislation for extra snacks between meals, standing firm against the tyranny of the vacuum cleaner, and advocating for equal belly rub rights for all dogs big and small. Her campaign promises are bold but achievable: Daily sunshine naps for every resident, no more doorbells without prior paw-proval, and treats to rain down like confetti at a parade.

Rosco

Rosco, a 95-pound bundle of joy who doesn’t walk into a room—he crashes into it with love. A soon-to-be 2-year-old chocolate Labrador, Rosco is running (and sometimes tumbling) for mayor with one goal in mind: to make our town the happiest place on earth—one belly rub at a time. Rosco for Mayor: Because every town deserves a leader who greets you with a smile, a full-body wiggle, and the enthusiasm of someone who just found out you dropped a piece of cheese.

Quetzal

Quetzal is a Mexican hairless with a goofy personality and unique look, named after the Aztec serpent deity Quetzalcoatl. Quetzal’s campaign promises are new beds for all dogs, double portions of table scraps, 24/7 access to outside, and less frequent baths to save water.

Stormy

Stormy was born in Thermal in 2019, and at 8 weeks old she moved to Morongo Valley. With a special love of Morongo Valley youth, Stormy’s campaign promise is to have lollipops and doggie treats for all her little human and furry friends. 

Willy

Willy is Morongo Valley’s finest, most loveable, gentle giant, and has been patrolling the Preserve for seven of his nine years on the planet. 

Trixie

Trixie is a 5-month-old French Bulldog with big ears, a bigger heart, and a vision for Morongo Valley. Even though they’re still a puppy, they already know how to bring joy, laughter, and unity everywhere I go. My short legs may not carry me far, but my personality fills every room—and that makes me the paw-fect leader for our community.

As Doggy Mayor, Trixie promises to welcome everyone with unconditional love (and maybe a few sloppy kisses); protect Morongo Valley’s parks by encouraging more walks, playdates, and belly rub breaks; and serve as a loyal friend to humans and furry neighbors alike.

Taco

Taco was born with two oversized ears and one oversized dream: to make his community the best place to wag a tail. A proud rescue pup and lifelong advocate of belly rubs, Taco knows the struggles of the everyday dog, whether it’s finding the perfect sunspot on the carpet or fighting for an extra treat at bedtime. Taco’s Campaign Promises include more walks, fewer baths; free squeaky toys for all; mandatory treat breaks every hour; and a strict “No Vacuum Cleaners Allowed” policy.

Charlie

Charlie the Pig told Z107.7, “I’m not running for mayor because I want power. I’m running because I love this town. I love its quirks, its dust, its laughter, and its people. I believe in a Morongo Valley where pigs can lead, kids can ride, and everyone has a seat at the table—even if it’s made of hay bales. Let’s get one thing straight—I’m not from LA. I was born on June 24, 2025, in the heart of Morongo Valley, where the skies stretch wide, and the dirt smells like freedom. My first steps were taken in a pen behind a feed store, but my dreams reached far beyond the fence line. I wasn’t raised on glitz and glamour—I was raised on grit, gravel, and good old-fashioned community spirit.”

Scales

Scales is a 1-year-old Rosy Boa with smooth moves, a calm heart, and a big dream: to become your next Mayor. Scales whisssssspered to Z1077, “Rosy Boas like me are known for being peaceful, patient, and deeply connected to the land—and I bring all that to the table. My slow and steady nature means I don’t rush big decisions. My smooth, quiet movement? That’s thoughtful leadership in action. I stay low to the ground, which keeps me close to the people (and the critters!). I don’t hiss, strike, or start drama—I solve problems by staying cool, collected, and coiled in community spirit. I was born right here in Morongo Valley, under the warm desert sun and among the rocks and sagebrush. My ancestors have lived in these canyons and creosote bushes for generations—true natives of this land—and I’m proud to carry on their legacy of peaceful desert living.

“As Mayor, I promise to protect Morongo Valley’s wildlife and natural beauty—because we all thrive when the desert is healthy; help people connect with the nature through education, respect, and a little bit of curiosity; be a quiet, steady leader—reminding everyone to slow down, soak up the sun, and live in harmony with our environment. I may be low to the ground, but my goals are sky high.”

Remembering Ziggy

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