The Associated Students of the University of Idaho Fall 2026 senate elections are open for three days, starting on Nov. 9, and ending on Nov. 11 at 4 p.m. ASUI voting is held online through an email survey that will be sent out to students on Nov. 9. There are 20 confirmed candidates running four available senate seats.
The candidates are Gigi Mummery, Dylan Trigg, Fatima Arteaga, Yessica Ramirez, Farhadul Islam Shanto, Cash Paterson, Cameron Marlowe, Londyn Higgins, Paige Stranahan, Happiness Rukundo, Tyson Vanderpas, Adan Machette, Jackson Kirkwood, Valeria Joaquin Moreno, Jed Rajala, Samantha Parsons, Alejandra Vega-Flores, and Anne Cunyas.
Paige Stranahan is a Secondary Education and English major who is running to build “a culture of connection on campus.” Stranahan has held leadership roles as a Junior Public Relations Officer, the UI Aspiring Educators President, and on the Idaho Education Association Board of Directors. To improve student connection, she hopes to empower clubs at UI and create outlets for students, so clubs and organizations can use the talent of students to improve their own clubs. In an Argonaut email interview, Stranahan said, “I believe there is so much untapped talent on campus that we should be taking advantage of.” To learn more about her campaign, see her Instagram page, @paige4asui.senate.
Tyson Vanderpas is a political science major, who wants to expand ASUI presence and awareness. He doesn’t have any previous leadership roles but has volunteered with Family Promise of Lewis/Clark valley as a part of their Bridge program, and at the Asotin County Library. To achieve ASUI awareness, Vanderpas wants to create a weekly newsletter, add video recordings to ASUI senate meetings and “a weekly report given by each senator about that week’s agenda before voting occurs.” To learn more about his campaign, see his campaign Instagram at @tysonV_Uidaho.
Dylan Trigg, a first-year Economics major, wants to increase student involvement. Trigg said, “first-years may not know how they can truly become a part of something here at the University and continue to support the clubs and activities (especially fine arts) here on campus.” To achieve this goal, he hopes to hold more involvement events throughout the semester and collaborate with other senators to improve current communication. Trigg has previously worked in leadership roles, such as Drum Major, National Honor Society President, Tri-M Music Honor Society Secretary and Knowledge Bowl President. To learn more about his campaign, check his Instagram @14.dylant.14
Anne Cunyas is a Political Science with a minor in Spanish. Though she hasn’t held any official leadership roles she is involved in BABE VOTE, Mock Trial, YDSA (Young Democratic Socialists of America), and Orchestra. Cunyas wants to promote civic engagement, hold events to improve political literacy and support and advocate for students from all backgrounds, “especially women and first-generation students.” For more information about her campaign, see her Instagram page @anneforasui, and if you would like to contact her directly, email her at [email protected]
Jackson Kirkwood is a Business Economics Major, with a finance emphasis, who wants to advocate for students who are a part of intermural and sport clubs at UI. “I believe that spotlighting these clubs and intramural programs can provide opportunities for students to connect with one another and bridge the gap between the student body and sports clubs on and off campus,” said Kirkwood in an Argonaut Email Interview. He is currently the treasurer of the UI Ice Hockey Club, and in high school has served as the varsity captain of his school’s hockey and lacrosse team. To learn more about his campaign, see his Instagram page @jacksonkirkwoodd, or email him directly at [email protected]
Cash Paterson is a Political Science major who wants to make campus affordable and accessible for everyone. Paterson has previous leadership experience of being a student representative and an honors society member, during high school. In an Argonaut email interview, he hopes to “target excessive parking fees, prices for goods on campus markets, and try to update all manners of faculties on campus, including water fountains and cooking stations.” To learn more about his campaign, see his Instagram page @cashforui, or email him directly at [email protected]
Alejandra Vega Flores is a Political Science major who wants to ease the financial burdens of students at UI. Vega Flores is a first-generation student, as well as a Vandals First scholar. If elected Vega Flores would “push student government to create a centralized resource link connecting students directly to scholarships, internships, and career opportunities removing constant financial worry so everyone can focus on their education.” To learn more about her campaign, see Vega Flores’ campaign Instagram @ale4asui, or to contact her directly, use her email, [email protected]
Adan Machette is a secondary education major, who is campaigning to bring ASUI and the student body closer together. A previous leadership role held by Machette was being president of his high schools Family, Career and Community Leaders of America chapter, from 2025-2026. Machette said in an Argonaut email interview, “I also want to help students learn about scholarships, financial support, campus resources, and all the opportunities available at the University of Idaho so everyone can feel supported, get involved, and make the most of their college experience!” To learn more about his campaign, see Machette’s campaign Instagram, @machette_asui.
Cameron Marlowe is a Criminology and Political Science Major, who has been a part of National Honors Society, the captain of her high school’s speech and debate team, and an Emporium assistant manager. In an email interview, Marlowe said that her campaign hopes to “bring the Senate to every student with office hours and pop-up polls in dorms, dining halls, and Greek houses, plus one simple guide so no one learns about a resource after they needed it, and I’ll push for smarter transportation to get vandals where they’re going.” For more information about her campaign, see her Instagram page at @cam_sam4senate2027, or to contact her directly, at her email [email protected]
The Argonaut reached out to Gigi Mummery, Fatima Arteaga, Yessica Ramirez, Farhadul Islam Shanto, Londyn Higgins, Valeria Joaquin Moreno, Jed Rajala, and Samantha Parsons, and didn’t receive a response. All bios are placed in the order they were received.
ASUI senate meets on Wednesdays at 7 p.m. in the Whitewater/Clearwater room of the ISUB or in the Crest Room on the 4th floor of the ISUB.
Josie Adjanohoun can be reached at [email protected]