Mayor Bobby Tufts will seek re-election this fall, and he hasn’t even started kindergarten yet.
Tufts, age four, was elected mayor of Dorset, Minnesota last year in a town raffle, and has hopes to re-claim office this August.
Dorset has a population of about 20 people, and no formal municipal government. The small town, which hails itself as the “Restaurant Capital of the World,” chooses its mayor each year at the annual “ Taste of Dorset Festival.” Dorset residents can vote as many times as they like by entering their name in the raffle for $1.
Since the 2012 festival, Mayor Bobby has been acting as Mayor of the town. His primary acts as mayor have included greeting people as they come to Dorset as will as raising money for the Ronald McDonald Foundation.
Dorset has also made a motion to move ice cream to the top of the food pyramid. But, when asked about a favorite flavor, the young mayor was indecisive.
“Chocolate. And vanilla. Strawberry. Cotton candy kind. And rainbow sherbet,” said the mayor.
The mayor has a first lady as well — his girlfriend, Sophie. She is also eagerly awaiting the first day of kindergarten.
Tufts has hopes to win another term in office at this summer’s August 4th festival. He has been campaigning throughout the summer by conducting meet and greets as well as handing out campaign cards that read, “I would love to be your Mayor as much as I love Sophie.”
Along the campaign trail, Mayor Tufts can be seen in his signature black fedora hat or his favorite fishing vest over his suit jacket.