With shining golden hair, a friendly smile, and a red tie tight around his neck, this member of OneTech 2015 is ready for his close up on the campaign trail.
Ajax, the mascot of Texas Tech University Student Government Association campaign bloc OneTech 2015, is a 5-year-old golden retriever. In his short life, he has already gained valuable political experience and 638 followers on Instagram.
Caleb Fisher, one of Ajax’s humans and an SGA external vice presidential candidate, said Ajax became a part of the team to add lightheartedness to the serious campaign process.
“I’ve noticed that rather than just the three of us walking around and giving announcements, having him come with us,” Fisher said, “it just makes it more fun.”
Ajax the Campaign Dog. Pictures provided by OneTech 2015.
Hayden Hatch, current SGA president, said his campaign last year brought a dog on campus on the final day of voting to promote his bloc. BaLeigh Waldrop, current internal vice president, won the election by four votes, and Hatch maintained the dog helped Waldrop get those votes.
Fisher said the ultimate goal of their campaign is to remain approachable. He said they want to remain average students as much as possible and not get too political. He said Ajax reminds them to not take themselves too seriously.
“I think overall our consensus has been to walk the line between being a student and being, like, a student politician,” Fisher said. “You have to walk the line between being serious and being passionate about your initiatives and still being a student and know that you have classes and friends to hang out with.”
Fisher said it can be hard to remember to take care of yourself during election season, and Ajax is another being to take care of. A bit of a diva, Ajax has to be bathed, brushed and dressed before he can hit the campaign trail.
Ajax gets to go to different student groups with his humans to promote OneTech 2015. His job is to get attention, take pictures, and most importantly, find balls.
Amber Yanez, internal graduate presidential candidate with OneTech 2015, said Ajax has a great personality and has been a great asset to the team.
After election season, Ajax plans to go on a ball-shopping spree, visit the park as much as possible, and write his autobiography, “Fifty Shades of Ajax,” coming soon to a store near you.
You can follow Ajax on Instagram @ ajax_the_campaign_dog. Ajaxs’ voice was provided by Caleb Fisher.
Anibal Galindo contributed to this article.
Although certain Hub staffers may or may not support various campaigns, their views or opinions do not reflect those of The Hub@TTU as a whole. In the interest of fairness, The Hub@TTU will not be endorsing a particular campaign.
About Sarah Self-Walbrick
