| Mayor Max II | |
| Office: | Mayor-for-life of Idyllwild |
| Term Start: | July 21, 2013 |
| Term End: | July 30, 2022 |
| Predecessor: | Max I |
| Successor: | Max III |
| Deputy: | Mikey Mighty-Dog Mueller Mitzi Marie Mueller[1] |
| Birth Name: | Maximus Mighty-Dog Mueller |
| Birth Date: | 6 May 2013 |
| Death Place: | Temecula, California |
| Blank1: | Species |
| Data1: | Dog |
| Blank2: | Breed |
| Data2: | Golden Retriever |
| Blank3: | Sex |
| Data3: | Male |
Maximus Mighty-Dog Mueller II (May 6, 2013 – July 30, 2022) was a golden retriever dog who served as the second unofficial mayor of Idyllwild, part of the census-designated place of Idyllwild–Pine Cove, California. His deputy mayors, Mitzi and Mikey, were his cousins.[2] After his death Mayor Max II was succeeded by his cousin Max III, who was sworn in on December 10, 2022.[3]
In 2012, the non-profit organization Idyllwild Animal Rescue Friends (ARF) hosted an "election" for mayor of Idyllwild (which, as part of an unincorporated community, has no local government) as part of a fundraising event for the organization. Fourteen dogs and two cats ran, and Max, a Golden Retriever, was elected as Idyllwild's first mayor. On April 2, 2013, Mayor Max died, and Maximus Mighty-Dog Mueller II, another Golden Retriever, arrived in Idyllwild on July 21 to complete the remainder of the term.[4] In March 2014, as the end of Max's term approached, ARF solicited the town's interest in holding another election. The people overwhelmingly pled for Mayor Max's continuation in perpetuity.[5] [3]
Mayor Max was recognized by the County of Riverside, California. The Mayor's duties included visiting with locals and out-of-town visitors, attending business grand openings and other town functions, participating in the town's two annual parades, and promoting Idyllwild.[6] Max's popularity had spread the world over, and he has represented the town through appearances on news programs, talk shows, advertisements, billboards, and a game show.[7]
Mayor Max died in the city of Temecula on July 30, 2022, after suffering a brief medical issue.[8] He was succeeded by Mayor Max III, who formally took office on December 10, 2022.[9] [10]