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NATCHEZ — Darby’s Mary Frances, well known among tourists and locals alike as the dog who runs Main Street, has been elected the City of Natchez’s first Pet Mayor in the inaugural Pet Mayor Election hosted by Downtown Natchez Alliance.

The Honorable Mayor Dan Gibson — Natchez’s two-legged mayor — announced the final results of the election at a press conference held at the William Johnson House on Sunday.

The election, which started April 1 and ended Saturday, April 26, at 11:59 p.m. at www.NatchezPetMayor.com, was “rather stressful, as all elections are,” Gibson said.

Dogs, cats, a charming carriage horse named Hal, a curious goat and even a steadfast pet rock from OutsideINN MS entered and earned the community’s love and support in what had been close race down to the final hour.

But once the final votes were tallied, Mary Frances of Darby’s emerged as the clear winner in a last-minute surge that catapulted her to the lead by 321 votes over challenger Roni of Wardo’s. Mary Frances’s campaign team was quick to share the excitement.

“Mary Frances has been patrolling downtown Natchez for 12 years as the self-proclaimed unofficial Pet Mayor — and now, thanks to her wonderful supporters, it’s official,” said Dennis Short, her official handler.

Campaign manager Darby Short, speaking from High Point, North Carolina, where she was attending a major trade market, said the election had generated excitement far beyond Natchez’s borders.

“The campaign was a promotional success for all of Natchez,” said Darby Short. “I’ve spent the week wearing my ‘Mary Frances for Natchez Pet Mayor’ button at market in High Point, answering questions about what Natchez Pet Mayor is — and of course, bragging about how wonderful Natchez is as a destination.”

The election serves as a fundraiser supporting DNA’s revitalization efforts of Downtown Natchez. Additionally, 20 percent of the net proceeds will support local animal welfare organizations, including Natchez Adams County Humane Society, Hoofbeats & Pawprints Rescue, and Spay Neuter Natchez. Overall, net proceeds raised were $16,676.01.

“As with everything we do, we wanted this program to also serve a larger purpose,” said Norma West, President of DNA’s board of directors. “We realized it was a good opportunity to raise awareness for the problem of feral, abused, or abandoned animals in our downtown and throughout our Miss Lou area.”

One of the candidates, an adoptable dog named Clover who is still in need of a home, raised awareness to the larger shelter animals who often go years without finding families, said Kathy Fitch of Hoofbeats and Pawprints Rescue.

Clover, newly elected as PAWlderman Ward 1, “wants everyone to know that she appreciates all of the votes and she will do her best in her role as Pawlderman,” Fitch said. “She appreciates that the city of Natchez and the Downtown Natchez Alliance are so supportive of the role pets play in making our lives better … (and) the chance to raise public awareness about the more than 100 adoptable large adult dogs in the Miss-Lou area shelters right now.”

Additionally, the Clover campaign emphasises the importance of spaying/neutering and providing heartworm preventatives for all dogs and how each dog adopted saves the lives of two — “both the dog they adopt and the dog that the shelter is able to take, because there is an empty kennel,” Fitch said.

Elizabeth Greer, coordinator of the Pet Mayor election and Promotions Chair for DNA, said, “We are incredibly proud of what this election represents — community spirit, creativity, and commitment to a thriving downtown Natchez. Thanks to our generous sponsors, passionate voters, and outstanding candidates, we not only raised important funds but also planted the seeds of a tradition we hope will grow for years to come.”

The full election results are as follows:

·      Natchez Pet Mayor: Mary Frances, Campaign Managers Dennis and Darby Short of Darby’s.

·      Chief of PAWlice: Roni, Campaign Manager, Kathy Graning of Wardo’s. FUR Chief: Dart, Campaign Manager John Grady Burns of Nest.

·      PAWlderman Ward 1: Clover, Campaign Manager, Kathy Fitch of Hoofbeats and Pawprints Rescue, sponsored by Concordia Bank & Trust.

·      PAWlderman Ward 2: Pacho, Campaign Manager Iesha Sanders of Sanders Law Firm. PAWlderman Ward 3: Bean, Campaign Manager, Lexi Lehrman of Butter Cakery.

·      PAWlderman Ward 4: Hal, Campaign Manager, Guy Tuccio of Southern Carriage Tours and sponsored by Levi and Grace Construction.

·      PAWlderman Ward 5, Poppy, Campaign Manager, Gail Guido of Silver Street Gallery and Gifts.

·      PAWlderman Ward 6: Oreo, Campaign Manager, Brittany Mitchell.

·      Director of PAWks and Recreation: Maggie May McCabe, Campaign Managers Bubba and Katie McCabe of Pig Out Inn.

·      Director of PAWblic Works: Tisha of Natchez Adams County Humane Society, sponsored by United Mississippi Bank.

The winners will officially be sworn in during a Collaring Ceremony at Natchez City Hall at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday, May 10. The public is invited to attend.

“In Natchez, we know how to blend fun, tradition, and heart in everything we do,” Gibson said. “The Pet Mayor election brought joy to our city while supporting vital causes, and it speaks to the bright future we’re building together. I’m honored to celebrate alongside the Downtown Natchez Alliance and our community during this special moment.”

Reflecting on the experience of the campaign, Darby Short described how the campaign energized both locals and visitors alike.

“People at home and even here in High Point have absolutely loved the idea of a Pet Mayor. During the campaign, we’ve laughed and had so much fun with it,” she said. “Our tourists have loved it! People getting off the boat, coming in the store, seeing our campaign signs, seeing Mary Frances, seeing the other pets, having a big time with Hal the horse, and just loving the camaraderie of the pet mayor competition.”

She added, “Everyone’s been happy to support the Downtown Natchez Alliance and our local animal welfare organizations. It’s been wildly entertaining and has really raised awareness for our merchants and the important causes we all care about.”

West thanked the election’s sponsors, including title sponsor and “Leader of the Pack” Taco Bell, the “Top Dogs” Concordia Bank & Trust Company and United Mississippi Bank, “Fat Cat” sponsor The Natchez Democrat, along with many small business partners for making the first Natchez Pet Mayor election a success.

“Their support helps fuel not only downtown revitalization efforts but also future events that bring joy, energy, and pride to our community.”

Looking ahead, DNA’s new Executive Director, Leah Hunter, expressed her excitement about continuing the organization’s mission and building on this early success.

“Seeing the outpouring of support for the Pet Mayor election reinforces why I’m so excited to be joining the Downtown Natchez Alliance,” Hunter said. “Our mission to revitalize downtown is all about fostering connections between people, businesses, and our rich history. I look forward to working with the community to keep that momentum growing.”