Stars Hollow is a cozy, sleepy town that's home to some heavy-hitters. Diner owner Luke Danes may look like your average man who doesn't care about materialistic things but he's secretly wealthy, which holds a lot of power. Lorelai always had to fight for what she wanted but eventually came out on top with the help of those around her. And don't forget about powerhouses like Richard and Emily Gilmore, and even Taylor Doose.
These Gilmore Girls characters are all-powerful in their own way but there are only a few who typically get what they want. Whether it's thanks to money or social status, Stars Hollow (and those surrounding it) has some pretty powerful residents.
Lane Kim
Lane Kim is one of Stars Hollow's most trusting and loyal residents. She's been by Rory's side through thick and thin and works at Luke's Diner where she greets everyone.
But sadly, Lane doesn't hold that much power. She grew up in a strict household that didn't allow her to express her true self. Even when Lane escaped her mother's wrath, she moved into a house with two men where she was also outnumbered (but at least she got her own bedroom!). Lane found her independence later in life but the power she holds isn't as strong as the other characters.
Rory Gilmore
Rory Gilmore may have millionaire grandparents, a dedicated mother, and a trust fund, but that didn't make her powerful. In fact, there were plenty of times where Rory didn't get her way.
Instead of fighting for what she wanted, she usually retreated and whined about it until she thought of another solution. Rory came from a powerful family but her personality was too passive to become a powerful Gilmore.
Sookie St. James
Sookie didn't have the kind of family money that her best friend and business partner Lorelai had but she did have a strong and confident personality, which made her powerful. When Sookie was in the kitchen, what she said mattered. Even her husband Jackson was nervous to confront her regarding vegetable matters.
But what made Sookie special was she was still soft enough for people to feel comfortable confronting her. She was powerful but approachable. Without her strong personality, however, it's hard to say if she would hold as much influence.
Christopher Hayden
Christopher Hayden grew up in a powerful family adjacent to the Gilmores. After Rory was born, it's not known what Christopher ended up doing with his life but he was known as a disappointment to his family. What viewers do know is that he didn't always get his way. Lorelai turned him down for years, Rory held a grudge against him throughout her teenaged life, and his parents looked down on him.
This all changed, however, when Christopher's grandfather died and left him a ton of money. He finally had his finances in order and was able to get Lorelai to be his wife for a short time. Christopher became cocky and confident and powerful when he came into money.
Luke Danes
Luke is the kind of man who doesn't seem to have a ton of pull but that's where we're all wrong. Luke really is a pillar in the community. He owns real estate, he owns one of the most popular food establishments in town, and he's the only one who can change Taylor Doose's mind. Luke's strong demeanor, intimidating, and secret funds make him a low-key powerful man in society.
Lorelai Gilmore
Lorelai Gilmore is secretly powerful. Yes, she comes from a successful family and she most likely had a trust fund accessible to her when she was in her 20s but there's something else that makes her even more powerful: her charm.
Lorelai can get whatever she wants in life because of this special ability she has to make people fall for her. She essentially sweet talks her way into (or out of) everything. Emily assisted her on her termite loan, Luke loaned her $30,000 for the inn, Luke renovated her home, her parents paid for her daughter's education...Lorelai was powerful solely because of her charms and the people who would do anything for her.
Taylor Doose
Taylor Doose may as well be the mayor of Stars Hollow. He owns Doose's Market, he runs the Town Beautification Committee, and he's in charge of all of the town hall meetings. When it comes to politics, Taylor Doose is the most powerful man in Stars Hollow. He knows the laws, he knows everything there is to know about Stars Hollow, and people fear approaching him. Taylor always gets his way.
Logan Huntzberger
While Dean and Jess were once main characters on Gilmore Girls, it's Logan Huntzberger who deserves to be ranked among the most powerful character. He's the guy who dated Rory the longest and was still in a relationship with her in the reboot.
Logan is one of the most powerful figures in the show solely because of his last name. Everyone knew the Huntzbergers and his family owned most of the major media outlets. Logan got away with everything because of his family's deep pockets and his last name. Even his mistakes weren't mistakes because he always weaseled out of them.
Paris Geller
Paris Geller is far more powerful than Taylor Doose, Lorelai, and Logan combined. Due to her intelligence, quick thinking, and ability to win an argument, Paris always got her way. Sure, she didn't get into Harvard for undergrad but she was able to go there for graduate school, which proves that she always gets what she wants one way or another.
Her family had money but Paris knew how to get what she wanted without funds. She was aggressive, assertive, and it always worked in her favor.
Richard & Emily Gilmore
It shouldn't be a surprise that Emily and Richard Gilmore came out on top as the most powerful people in the series. The Gilmores always got what they wanted. In fact, even though they were disappointed in their daughter for most of her life, they were able to get one thing from her: Friday Night Dinners. Their connections, social status, and millions were able to get them anything they wanted in life. Jobs, homes, education opportunities — you name it. Emily and Richard ruled all.