A local Democratic politician who throws a boat excursion and picnic on the Hudson River for families in which the husband is a registered Democrat. Mahoney provides Francie with her first experience of politics. When she goes to look for Mahoney at the picnic to thank him for the wonderful day he provided, she cannot find him anywhere. A man nearby tells her that Mahoney may not exist at all. Mahoney may be the name that the party gives to whomever leads the organization in a particular year. Mahoney is re-elected on Election Day, much to Francie’s excitement.