Axel the Bernese Mountain dog ran for “mayor” of Columbia’s Shandon neighborhood in 2018 and received several write-in votes. It is unclear who will run to fill his seat.

Axel, the 9-year-old Bernese Mountain dog who successfully campaigned as the "mayor" of the Shandon neighborhood in Columbia, died in his sleep in mid-October, the dog's owners confirmed.

Bernese Mountain dog Axel who belonged to former SC Gov. Hodges, became de facto mayor of Columbia’s Shandon after a local election, died.

Axel Hodges was a natural politician; he never met a palm he didn’t like. The Bernese Mountain dog who in 2018 ran for ”mayor” of Columbia’s Shandon neighborhood has died.