Universally beloved Philadelphia Flyers mascot Gritty could have a promising political career ahead of him.
According to Camden County’s personal choice election results on their website, the bright orange Gritty popped up as a write-in vote for New Jersey political offices ranging from the boards of education in townships like Cherry Hill and Haddon to Donald Norcross’ seat in Congress representing New Jersey. He also received write-in votes to be the Camden County sheriff. Beyond the Northeast, however, it appears that Gritty and his googly eyes have some national appeal — the Philadelphia Flyers claimed that their hirsute viral mascot received write-in votes in 46 states across the country during the midterm elections for many different offices, according to the jumbotron at Wells Fargo Arena in Philadelphia.
Prior to the elections, a satire account already joked about Gritty ushering in an “orange wave.”
Gritty, 2020? He wouldn’t be the first celebrity to throw his hat into the ring.
See the Philadelphia Flyers proudly support the idea of Gritty as a political figure below.
More Must-Reads from TIME
- Why Trump’s Message Worked on Latino Men
- What Trump’s Win Could Mean for Housing
- The 100 Must-Read Books of 2024
- Sleep Doctors Share the 1 Tip That’s Changed Their Lives
- Column: Let’s Bring Back Romance
- What It’s Like to Have Long COVID As a Kid
- FX’s Say Nothing Is the Must-Watch Political Thriller of 2024
- Merle Bombardieri Is Helping People Make the Baby Decision
Write to Cady Lang at cady.lang@timemagazine.com