ASUW announced the results of the primary elections, signifying which candidates will advance to the general election.
For president and vice president, Brian Schueler, international studies senior, and Emily Kath, political science junior, came in first with Randy Elledge, international studies junior, and Victor Hernandez, political science sophomore, following behind in second place.
“I’m really glad to be in the position we are in,” Schueler said. “We had a great voter turnout and a lot of people supporting us.”
Hernandez said he is eager to advance into the general elections; however, he has his work cutout for him with a goal to further increase voter participation.
“I’m pretty excited about going to generals. I feel like Randy and I can do better,” Hernandez said. “For generals we should make sure to get students involved, making sure everybody gets to vote out there.”
With 14,000 students on campus, Elledge said a large voter turnout for the general elections is not unreasonable.
For the candidates who have advanced to the general election, Elledge commended their campaigning strategies, adding that there is communal respect between the parties.
“I think that both Emily Kath, Brian Schueler, Victor and I are all prepared, running great campaigns and pretty respectful all the way through, and I think it will continue through the general elections.”
Progressing forward, Schueler said he plans to continue to hit the campaign trail with full force. Increasing dialogue with the student body and a variety of RSOs are just a part of the Schueler, Kath campaign strategy.
“It’s kind of annoying for some people, but I think election time is really a special period,” Schueler said. “There’s a lot of dialogue between students during elections that should happen during the year, but at least it’s happening during elections.”
Even though the Tawsha Mitchell and Robert West team will not advance to the general elections, Schueler said he hopes to carry out some of their philosophies. Specifically, he said the reporting system for victims of hate speech is an item he would like to further explore.
“I don’t think their ideas should die out because they are good ideas,” Schueler said.
Primary results were also announced for the College of Arts and Sciences and the College of Business senatorial candidates.
Additionally, Hernandez received the most votes for the College of Arts and Sciences, primarily followed by Kath. For the College of Business, Holly Burnham, finance sophomore, came in first, and Michael Rotellini, business administration sophomore, followed closely.
Students will be able to cast their ballot for the general election through Wyoweb April 22.
“It’s definitely easier for me if there were not other candidates, but that’s not good for school or the student government,” Schueler said. “It’s exciting to see so many people working together to say they want to change things.”
Reported: By Abdelazim El Toukhy and Caitlin Tan
