The Mercer Student Government Association announced five new senators in Wednesday's Special Election results presentation in Stetson Hall. The special election acted as a continuation of the original Senate election that took place in August, filling spots that had become open or had not been filled originally.
Alina Virani ‘29 filled the senate’s open sophomore seat, while Emily Balogh ‘28, Chloe Jones ‘28 and Mailee Boucher ‘28 won the junior seats. Joana Mazariegos ‘30 was announced as the final senate seat for the freshman class.
Mazariegos, majoring in Entrepreneurship, said that she did not run with a “list of promises,” but that instead she ran because she wanted students to have someone that they could “trust to listen to them, represent their voices, and put in the work.” Mazariegos hopes to attain her MBA after graduation.
Jones, a neuroscience major, said she ran with a “want to be approachable and accessible," and that her overall goal is to “make sure students feel like they have someone they can comfortably come to with their ideas or concerns.” Jones also emphasized how the election pushed her out of her comfort zone but that it was worth it because it was a “great opportunity to connect with more students."
Both winners present at the announcement, Jones and Mazariegos, expressed sincere gratitude to all of those who supported them throughout the election.
“Thank you so much for voting for me, I look forward to representing the junior class,” said Jones as she received her congratulations from those present.
“Thank you everyone for the support,” said Mazariegos. “I will continuously work towards staying diligent and dedicated in this position, for all of campus," she said.
To run for a seat, candidates were required to attend a qualifications meeting, breaking down the processes required to run for a seat in the SGA senate and the responsibilites involved. After approval, they were able to begin campaigning.
Without the usual physical campaign spaces in Connell Student Center this year, candidates were given the chance to be presented via an online lookbook, posted on SGA’s instagram. Mazariegos, Jones, Balogh, and Boucher presented a campaign flyer to be posted in the candidate look book, while sophomore seat Virani did not.
Kaylee Grace Buchanan '29 is double majoring in Criminal Justice and Psychology with an minor in Religion. When not writing, she enjoys reading, baking and playing tennis. You can also catch her on the pickleball courts jamming out to some music as well.
