With campaign season set to begin for the undergraduate student government, members of campus slates Students First! and Bruins United have announced their potential presidential candidacies.
Homaira Hosseini, a third-year political science student, said she will run for Undergraduate Students Association Council’s president on the Student First! slate. Current General Representative Matt Sandler, a third-year music student specializing in saxophone performance, said he will run for the same position on the Bruins United slate.
As of press time, the Daily Bruin was not aware of any independent or third-party candidates planning on entering the presidential race. Candidate applications are not due until today at noon.
Hosseini and Sandler each explained why they decided to run for the president’s office.
Hosseini said her primary reason she wants to be president is to present issues important to student life.
“I am definitely supporting sustainability and enhancing student health and the quality of education, and I want to get students engaged more actively on campus as well,” Hosseini said.
Sandler was appointed as a replacement to former General Representative Sanobar Sajan this past January. He said his experience at the council table has allowed him to see how much USAC has done for the student body, but he still feels that not enough students understand how much USAC gives to students.
“The average Joe Bruin doesn’t know what (USAC) is. I want to take the lead in changing that,” Sandler said.
Both prospective candidates said they have gained adequate experience to be an effective president.
Sandler said he was a former president of Model United Nations at UCLA and is still involved in other campus organizations such as Sigma Pi and the Saxophone Quartet.
Hosseini is currently the chair of Student Fees Advisory Committee, a student advisory committee that gives recommendations to the chancellor for how to allocate student registration fees. She was also the former external vice president of the Muslim Student Association and a former intern for the University of California Office of the President.
Soon both Hosseini and Sandler will campaign for students’ votes until elections during sixth week.
Hosseini said she is excited to talk to students in order to prioritize their needs during campaigning.
“I’m just excited to spark some dialogue,” Hosseini said.
Sandler said he also looks forward to talking with students on Bruin Walk.
“Personal one-on-one connections are important,” Sandler said. “(A student) will ask, “˜What are you going to do for me? Why should I vote for you?’ I definitely want to address individual concerns.”
Current President Gabe Rose, who will assist in the Bruins United campaign, said his slate is excited to have Sandler as its candidate.
“He has an impressive record of service and commitment to the student body,” Rose said.
Students First! campaign manager Gregory Cendana said Hosseini’s leadership in various campus groups will help her be the best president.
“She can unify the campus and bring everyone together on collective issues,” he said.
The next step for all candidates will be to attend a mandatory election orientation meeting in the Kerckhoff State Rooms from 6 to 8 p.m. next Tuesday.