Contains spoilers for this episode and earlier episodes.
The death of Gravity Falls' mayor creates an election, and Stan enters the race after feeling overlooked beside Ford. Dipper and Mabel want to help him beat Bud Gleeful, whose victory could secure Gideon's release from prison. Stan's speeches alarm the audience, so the twins secretly use a mind-control tie from Ford to make him say what voters want. His popularity rises, and he begins enjoying respect he has rarely received. When the twins admit that they have controlled his successful appearances, Stan feels betrayed and refuses the tie. Dipper and Mabel recruit Soos as a replacement, leaving their campaign divided before the final debate.
Bud's suddenly charming behavior has a similar explanation: Gideon is controlling him from prison with a spell. Through his father, Gideon captures the twins and ties them beside the fireworks intended for the election ceremony. Stan spots their danger, abandons the debate and rushes to save them. His rescue wins the crowd's support without a scripted speech, and the family apologizes to one another. Stan receives an overwhelming share of the vote, but officials disqualify him after discovering his criminal record. Tyler Cutebiker becomes mayor because he is the remaining candidate who completed the paperwork. Mabel gives Stan a homemade sash to acknowledge what he means to them, while Gideon turns toward another bargain after his plan fails.