Man Legally Named 'Literally Anybody Else' Runs for Mayor in Texas

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A 37-year-old man named Dustin Ebey, who legally changed his name to 'Literally Anybody Else', is running for mayor of North Richland Hills, Texas. Ebey, who works as an animal technician at a university lab in Dallas, says he decided to run because the incumbent mayor, Jack McCarty, was going to run unopposed. Ebey isn't planning on fundraising or spending much money, describing his campaign as more of a gimmick. He says his friends still call him 'Dusty' and that he leans Republican politically, but plans to eventually change his name back to Dustin Ebey.

Why it matters

This unusual mayoral campaign highlights the growing trend of political candidates using attention-grabbing stunts and gimmicks to gain visibility, even in local elections. While Ebey's name change may seem like a joke, it raises questions about the role of personality and novelty in modern politics, and whether such tactics can actually lead to meaningful change.

The details

Ebey, who is 37 years old, legally changed his name to 'Literally Anybody Else' after an unsuccessful run for president in 2024. He says he decided to run for mayor of North Richland Hills because the incumbent, Jack McCarty, was going to run unopposed. Ebey isn't planning on fundraising or spending much money on his campaign, describing it more as a gimmick. Despite the unusual name, Ebey's friends still call him 'Dusty' and he says he leans Republican politically, though he plans to eventually change his name back to Dustin Ebey.

• Ebey ran for president in 2024.
• The North Richland Hills mayoral election is scheduled for May 2nd.

What they’re saying

What’s next

The North Richland Hills mayoral election is scheduled for May 2nd, where Literally Anybody Else will challenge incumbent mayor Jack McCarty.