Kentucky town elects French bulldog named Wilbur as its new mayor: He's 'all ears'

Our wait for the 2020 presidential election result may not be over yet but a small town in Kentucky is already celebrating its new mayor who won in a landslide victory on Tuesday night. The small community of Rabbit Hash this week elected one of the cutest mayors in American history: a French bulldog named Wilbur Beast. According to the Rabbit Hash Historical Society, Wilbur won the race with a total of 13,143 votes — the highest winning total ever for the position. He follows in the paw prints of the incumbent Mayor Brynneth Pawltro, a rescued pit bull who assumed office in 2017, reports WWLT.

The Ohio River community of Rabbit Hash, which has a population of just a few hundred people, has reportedly been electing canines as its mayors for fundraisers since the 1990s. Every four years, residents "vote" for their favorite canine candidate by donating $1 per vote to the Rabbit Hash Historical Society. This year's race had the biggest turnout ever with a total of 22,985 votes reported, of which Wilbur's campaign raised $6165 and the race raised a total of $13,156. The mayoral canine hopes to continue to raise money through donations to the Rabbit Hash Historical Society and several other causes, including mental health and breast cancer.

Announcing his victory on Facebook, the Rabbit Hash Historical Society wrote: "Mayoral election in Rabbit Hash has been called! Wilbur Beast is the new mayor with an amazing 13,143 votes (highest winning total ever) toward an election total of 22,985!!! (Also the highest total ever for a Rabbit Hash election). Jack Rabbit the Beagle and Poppy the golden retriever came in second and third, making them both Rabbit Hash Ambassadors along with Ambassador Lady Stone, who will retain her position. Congratulations to the winners! The Rabbit Hash Historical Society can not thank ALL the candidates enough for their hard work and dedication!"

Speaking to Fox News, a spokesperson for Wilbur – his human, Amy Noland – said that they thanked both local supporters and others from around the world for giving him the vote of confidence. "It's an exciting adventure and a deeply meaningful cause to preserve the river hamlet town of Rabbit Hash, Ky.," they said in a written statement. "The town welcomes visitors and will continue to provide fun events for all ages to come experience the nostalgia and charm we have to offer."

Some public events will be planned for Wilbur in the future, his representative revealed. Until then, anyone interested in reaching out to the mayor is encouraged to do so on social media. Noland promises that he'll be "all ears." Meanwhile, Mayor Wilbur himself addressed his townfolk in a Facebook post following his victory, writing: "Mayor Wilbur here! I got to meet so many lovely people in the last 24 hours... and I can’t wait to meet so many more. I am humbled and beyond thankful for all of the support from far away and right here at home."

The Rabbit Hash Historical Society revealed in a Facebook comment that Mayor Wilbur's responsibilities will include greeting visitors and making them feel welcome, promoting Rabbit Hash and the Rabbit Hash Historical Society, fundraising, and attending events to represent the town.