By J.B. Fitzsimmons | Gloucester Correspondent
GLOUCESTER — Mayoral candidate Paul Lundberg, known for his steady demeanor, pragmatic platform, and extensive sweater vest collection, stunned supporters Tuesday evening with an unexpected twist at a campaign event: the unveiling of his new running mate — Small Lundberg, a perfectly proportioned miniature version of himself standing just over three feet tall.
Small Lundberg, dressed in a custom-tailored sweater vest and khakis to match his full-sized counterpart, waved stoically as Paul introduced him to a crowd of supporters gathered at the Gloucester House.
“He may be small in stature, but he’s got big ideas,” the taller Lundberg said. “If Gloucester is going to thrive, we need both full-size vision and pocket-sized practicality.”
Sources close to the campaign say the idea for Small Lundberg came during a particularly long Rotary Club breakfast when a supporter jokingly asked if Paul could “scale down” his message.
The Lundberg campaign has framed Small Lundberg as a symbol of Gloucester’s embrace of innovation, noting that the miniature running mate was produced using a combination of AI-driven personality modeling, advanced manufacturing techniques, and high-resolution 3D printing — all done in partnership with local tech students.
“This isn’t just a gimmick,” said junior campaign intern Jay Mason. “It’s a testament to what Gloucester can achieve when we invest in cutting-edge tools and foster the next generation of skilled workers. If we can print a functional Lundberg, imagine what we can do for economic development.”
Reaction across Cape Ann was swift.
“I think it’s brilliant,” said Langsford Street resident Elizabeth Waddle. “It shows he can think outside the box, while still being able to fit it inside the box. Gloucester politics has been too serious for too long. We need a little whimsy.”
Others were less enthusiastic.
“I don’t know,” said Magnolia Avenue resident Curtis Lapine. “I prefer my politicians unreplicated. One Lundberg is enough. Two feels like a glitch in the matrix, like I walked into the Gloucester Robotics Expo by mistake. Do we have one of those?”
Despite the controversy, the campaign insists Small Lundberg will remain an active part of the race, with his own limited-edition lawn signs (“Vote Tall. Think Small.”) and weekly policy haikus posted to TikTok. As for debate night, Paul confirmed that Small Lundberg will attend, but only if the podiums are adjustable.
“I know I’m not the flashiest guy,” Lundberg said, adjusting his glasses, “but I think Gloucester is ready for practical solutions, careful leadership, and also for me to sometimes talk to a smaller version of myself on stage.”
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