The founder of Pirate’s Booty Snacks attempted to seize control of a Long Island village, claiming to be mayor and ordering mass firings before suffering a landslide defeat in Tuesday’s election.

Robert Ehrlich, who had never held civic office, lost to incumbent Sea Cliff Mayor Elena Villafane in a 1,064-62 vote. Days before the election, Ehrlich stormed Village Hall, falsely declared himself mayor, demanded an office, and announced that all village employees were fired—though they could reapply for their jobs. Officials described his behavior as hostile, saying he and his associates raised their voices, used profanity, and refused to leave until police intervened.

Pirate’s Booty.

Ehrlich rejected the election results, alleging they were “rigged” and that poll workers failed to check voter rolls. He claimed his supporters cast multiple ballots undetected, including one person who allegedly voted four times. He insists that under the New York Government Reorganization and Citizen Empowerment Act, residents have the authority to restructure local government and claims to lead the “Incorporated Village of Sea Cliff Residents.”

His grievances focus on slow municipal services and a lack of effort to revitalize Sea Cliff Avenue businesses, arguing that officials deter economic growth. He also claims to have collected 1,900 votes in his coffee shop over four years, comparing his “election” to the papal conclave from 1268 to 1271, which took years to select a new pope.

At a March 10 meeting, Ehrlich waved a sealed envelope he claimed contained signatures for a petition to dissolve the village. When asked if he wanted to submit it, he refused. Despite his overwhelming loss, he has no plans to run again in two years, insisting, “I’m mayor now. I can write an executive order.”