A local election is stirring up excitement in Boston—but not for the reasons you’d expect. One candidate is making waves in the community, gathering votes, and rallying support in a way that no one saw coming.

What makes this campaign so unique? Well, for starters, the frontrunner isn't even human.


In Dorchester, a neighborhood in Boston, the annual Dorchester Day Parade is more than just a local tradition—it’s a celebration of history, culture, and community.

To help fund the beloved event, residents participate in a unique honorary mayoral race, where each dollar donated counts as a vote.


This year, one candidate has captured the public’s attention like never before: Walter, a 10-year-old golden retriever with a wagging tail and a mission to bring people together.

Walter’s owner and campaign manager, Jenna Taylor, was inspired by similar events where dogs have run for honorary positions in other communities.

“When the Dorchester Day Parade ("Dot Day Parade") ran a story asking for their next Dorchester mayor, I immediately responded and asked if a dog could run," she said. "Never in a million years did I expect it to take off the way it has."

Walter's campaign has quickly gained traction, attracting significant community support through donations, social media shares, and raffle ticket sales.


While Walter’s run for mayor may sound playful, there’s a bigger purpose behind it. The Dorchester Day Parade costs between $50,000 and $60,000 to organize, relying on fundraising efforts to keep it going.

Walter’s campaign is helping raise crucial funds for the event, ensuring that the parade remains a staple in the Dorchester community.

“I knew seeing his smiling face would help spread joy throughout the community,” Jenna shared, “but the amount of love being shared via donations to his GoFundMe, the purchase of raffle tickets, and people sharing his campaign online has gone above and beyond.”

It’s clear that Walter isn’t just a candidate—he’s a symbol of unity and positivity, reminding people that community engagement can be both meaningful and fun.


With voting still open, Walter has become a fan favorite, and many are hoping to see him lead the parade on June 1 as Dorchester’s honorary mayor.

The Dorchester Day Parade has been a Boston tradition since 1904, celebrating the founding of the neighborhood in 1630.

Winning the mayoral race would mean that Walter gets to walk alongside Boston Mayor Michelle Wu in the parade—an honor his supporters are eager to see.

Jenna hopes that Walter’s campaign will inspire more people to get involved with local traditions and support the community in creative ways.

"We really do come together as a community on this day every year," she said. "It not only revamps our Dorchester pride and appreciation of our neighbors, but it's also insanely fun!"



At its core, Walter’s campaign is about community spirit—reminding people that coming together for a common cause can be fun, meaningful, and impactful.

With voting still open, the question remains: Will Walter lead the parade on June 1? Whether he wins or not, one thing is clear—this golden retriever has already won the hearts of many.

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Do you think Walter has a high chance of winning? Would you cast your vote for Walter? Drop your thoughts in the comments!