He has floppy ears, tender eyes, slightly furrowed eyebrows and a large pink tongue allowing a thin line of drool to escape from his gaping mouth.
Sir Winston, an English Mastiff weighing 225 pounds described as a gentle giant with a heart as big as he is, has been selected as Animal Mayor of Coronado, beating out eight other canines, one cat and a frog.
On July 6, PAWS of Coronado announced Sir Winston – a military family pooch – will serve a two-year term from July 2026 through June 2028.
“We had a blast celebrating the Animal Mayor Race with a reception, a parade, and an incredible show of community support,” said Jackie Williams, executive director of PAWS of Coronado.
This year’s biennial fundraising event to support the animals at PAWS included a candidate reception and participation in the city’s Fourth of July Parade.
According to PAWS, the event raised $45,000 to provide food, shelter, medical care, behavior support and second chances for the animals in care.
“This fundraiser exceeded our expectations and demonstrated what is possible when an entire community comes together on behalf of animals,” added Williams. “Every vote made a difference, and every dollar raised will directly benefit the animals entrusted to our care.”
Sir Winston steps into the role after Valkyrie, a one-eyed shepherd mix, completed a term as Coronado’s eighth canine mayor from 2024 to 2026.
Williams said Sir Winston will serve as animal ambassador at events, welcome groups and other duties as his schedule allows.
“Congratulations Sir Winston. I look forward to serving with you💚” commented Coronado Mayor John Duncan in a Facebook post.
Popular candidate
PAWS said this year’s campaign was the most successful in Coronado history.
Animals residing in Coronado or adopted from PAWS participated in the competition, previously Canine Mayor Race, and this year’s event had 10 candidates.
Preliminary results shared online by PAWS, from June 15 through July 3, indicate Sir Winston maintained a spot in the top 3 throughout the voting window.
According to a candidate biography on the PAWS website, Sir Winston is “A Gentle Giant for a Small Town” with the following campaign platform: “All Drool. No Drama.”
The biography said Sir Winston arrived in Coronado as a three-month-old puppy and makes friends everywhere as his size stops people in their tracks and his sweet nature quickly wins them over.
Greeting neighbors on his daily walks around town, collecting belly rubs, hoping for a donut hole from Clayton’s, or taking one of his signature naps are part of Sir Winston’s routine.
Sir Winston howls with approval whenever a fire truck passes by, the biography continues, encouraging laughter and participation from neighbors.
Voting results from PAWS, in an Instagram post on July 6, shows Sir Winston received 1,470 votes, or 19% of the 7,440 total. Coconut, a Pomeranian, is the runner-up. Fred, an Argentine horned frog, got 396 votes.
“Together, the community demonstrated that every vote, every dollar, and every act of support truly makes a difference for animals in need,” said the organization.
Sir Winston’s family took to Facebook to congratulate all candidates.
“I honestly thought we were all just out here making friends,” said the post, signed by Mayor-elect Sir Winston. “It turns out we were making a difference, too. I promise to represent Coronado with PAWSitivity, a wagging tail, and plenty of drool. 🤤💦”
