By Abigail Vannatta, Staff Writer
Only one presidential ticket is seeking the top positions in the 2026 Student Government Association election
The sole ticket includes junior Melissa Arguijo for president and sophomore Kenzee Keeling for vice president. SGA elections use a “ticket” system where candidates in the executive positions run together. With only one ticket on the ballot this year, Keeling and Arguijo are unopposed.
In the 2025 election, there were two candidates competing for president in a race that included a student debate before voters cast ballots. The last time a presidential ticket for SGA ran unopposed was in the spring of 2024.
Andi Giesen, dean of students, said that SGA has trouble drawing candidates some years because of the commitment the jobs require.
“It is a lot of time and responsibility, so it does take a lot of dedication outside of classroom work,” Giesen said.
Despite the lack of competition, presidential candidate Arguijo said the campaigning, which started last week, has been busy as she and Keeling focus on connecting with students across campus.
“It has been difficult, but I know it will be worth it,” she said. “Our main goal is to help students feel seen, so we have been trying to attend as many events on campus as possible.”
Arguijo, a nursing major, is no stranger to SGA or student life. She is this year’s SGA secretary and also serves as the president of the Hispanic-American Leadership Organization at Newman.
“Our first step of the campaign is talking to students in person and communicating our goals for next year,” she said. “We are mainly doing in-person campaigning to allow students to see how important it is for us to build relationships with them.”
She said that her campaign is focused on involvement.
“I really want to focus on community and school spirit,” she said. “I think it is very important to help others feel safe and enjoy their time here at Newman.”
Keeling has served as an SGA senator since the 2025 spring semester and is working closely with Arguijo in her outreach efforts.
“We are the only ones running, so it is not a super competitive campaign,” Keeling said. “I have been working alongside a lot of people to get to know the students better.”
Keeling is majoring in criminal justice with a minor in psychology, and she said her campaign is focused on connection.
“I am eager to bring an exciting factor to campus, making sure SGA is as active as they can be,” she said. “I am excited to work alongside all the students and work with clubs to make campus a fun and safe space.”
In addition to the executive ticket, multiple students are running for senate positions. Candidates include Jenna Ju, Lena Nguyen, Emmie Johnston, Carla Ortiz, Wy’Yonna Landry, Stella Do, Tryphosa Kayode, Grecia Nunez, Jocelyn Edwards, and Tryphena Kayode.
Grace Hertel is running for treasurer, a role that primarily manages SGA’s funds, and Kelly Morgan is running for secretary, who is responsible for documenting SGA meetings.
Even with 12 running, Giesen said there are still several senate seats that remain unfilled.
The last day for students to apply to be a candidate was March 13, but they can still vote until Wednesday to show their support to those running. Voting happens through SGA’s Instagram page (@newmanu_SGA) or the student GroupMe. Results will be announced April 10 at Jet Friday..
PHOTO, Courtesy, Unsplash
