Unexpected candidate emerges for Raleigh mayor, and he’s got bi-pawtisan support
Teddy the orange cat’s unlikely leap into politics started during the pandemic, when his West Raleigh neighbors noticed his comfort around strangers regardless of age, erratic movements or number of legs — a diplomat who could purr to kids in strollers, Amazon drivers and pit bulls alike.
And the more Teddy mingled, the more people on Mayview Road knew him for:
▪ his judgment, always stepping aside for oncoming cars;
▪ his restraint, always steering clear of bird feeders;
▪ and his thoughtfulness, always tending to business wide of footsteps.
So as election year came ‘round, they launched his run for Raleigh mayor, throwing Teddy into the crowded field of candidates as the only politician campaigning entirely door-to-door, tail raised like an exclamation point.
“Everybody knows Teddy,” said Mandy Peacock, who adopted him 12 years ago. “He doesn’t discriminate. He likes dogs. He likes all people. Children. Men with hats. He’s like the way the world should be.”
No campaign staff and one yard sign
Teddy enters the race in its final days, facing a crowded field of five competitors, having zero staff and campaign contributions that as yet consist of a single yard sign.
Yet Janet Cowell, the Raleigh mayoral candidate with the most experience and a wide fundraising lead, responded to his candidacy in a way that can only be interpreted as sheer political terror.
“My own orange Tabby, named Leo, has grand plans of being his own version of “Larry the Cat of 10 Downing Street,” she wrote in an email. “He has been spending too much time sleeping and orange cat competition is moving in. Leo is now launching a charm offensive to make sure his dreams come true, including kissing the ladies and building his own coalition among neighbors.”
Teddy joins a tradition of feline politicos ranging from the fictional Bill the Cat of “Bloom County” notoriety to the very real Limberbutt McCubbins, a feline of Kentucky who in 2015 filed as a candidate for U.S. president.
He’s middle of the road, literally
But Teddy’s ascension felt natural considering neighbors already called him Mayor of Mayview, and he has widely known views on expanding both dog parks and spay-neuter programs.
“His most radical position calls for a ban on cat carriers,” said Brent Fitts, whose yard Teddy often inhabits, and where he takes many meals. “He wants to make at-home veterinary care mandatory. He’s not a liberal, but middle of the road, which I know because I have seen him many times in the middle of Mayview Road.”
One potential snag:
Being 12, Teddy is technically nine years shy of minimum age. But given his political charm and natural persuasiveness, he can likely count on the election board to count by cat years, making him a wise and electable 84.
And should he face the too-old-to-debate criticism so common this year, he need only roll over and display the belly fur Raleigh needs, the toe beans it wants.