As national tensions rise and students’ rights face increasing pressure, strong, thoughtful campus leadership is essential. After careful consideration of each candidate’s platform, experience, and interview responses, we have selected the following 20 ranked candidates we believe are best prepared to represent and advocate for the UC Berkeley student body. These are the leaders we trust to meet this moment with clarity, courage, and commitment.
1 — Ayden Reading, Independent
Running for a second, consecutive term, Ayden Reading shoulders the experience and qualities of leadership necessary to represent the student body in this year’s ASUC senate. With an accomplished first year, he has the readiness to act on his promises, a consistent track record, and has shown successful collaboration with other senators. Reading’s platforms are centered around educational support and LGBTQ+ and disabled student advocacy. During his term as senator, he has authored resolutions with 16 of the 20 sitting senators, established a pride business association, and has worked with the chancellor to bridge the transparency gap between students and administrators.
In the broader national and political context, the values and advocacy that Reading brings to the table are paramount. With his platforms and legislative record, he is in tune with the needs and concerns of the student body.
Reading’s initiative and impact are more than deserving of a first place ranked vote.
2 — Abdullah Memon, Independent
Abdullah Memon is running not for recognition, but from a deep-rooted drive to represent and uplift students who are too often overlooked. An independent candidate with two years of ASUC experience — including working as chief of staff for the current Middle Eastern, Muslim, Sikh, South Asian, or MEMSSA, Senator Medina Danish — and a strong background in advocacy, Memon brings personal and political clarity to his campaign. His student support, institutional accountability, and equitable access centered platforms are grounded in lived experience. From proposing tangible solutions to food insecurity and professional clothing access through initiatives like Oski Closet, to pushing for institutional investment in students, Memon’s goals are bold but actionable.
He’s been on the front lines of student activism through last spring’s encampments, and understands the weight of his role. In a campus climate where students are increasingly calling on the university to do better, Memon’s campaign is a necessary response — one shaped by empathy, resilience, and a commitment to real change.
3 — Sumayyah Rose Abuelmaatti, Independent
Sumayyah Rose Abuelmaatti is a fierce advocate for transfer students and their integration into the UC Berkeley community. As the transfer community-endorsed candidate, she is committed to challenging anti-transfer sentiments within registered student organizations, or RSOs, ensuring that transfer students are not only welcomed but celebrated. She aims to open dialogue with selective RSOs, advocate for the value of transfer students, and work toward incentivizing RSOs to adhere to transfer-friendly recruitment practices. Abuelmaatti has pledged to eliminate barriers to transfer integration, collaborating with administration to strengthen support systems and providing clear resources for incoming transfer students.
As a steadfast advocate for immigrant and international students, Abuelmaatti is pushing for the establishment of the Non-Citizen Commission and advocating for protections of free speech for all students. If elected, Sumayyah will create a more inclusive, supportive environment for transfers and non-citizens, ensuring their voices and needs are heard and prioritized.
4 — Margaret Solomon, ElevateCal
Margaret Solomon has proven herself to be a fearless leader capable of advocating and fighting for tangible change — a necessary quality for the senator representing the Black student body. Having worked in the office of President Sydney Roberts as a Multicultural Initiative Fund Intern and currently serving as the head of staff for ASUC Senator Owen Knapper Jr., Solomon is a candidate who has concrete accomplishments under her belt. From helping distribute $25,000 to Black RSOs and participating in community discussions through weekly triad meetings, Solomon has proven herself capable of achieving her platforms of empowering Black students.
As the first ranked Black community endorsed senatorial candidate, we believe that Solomon is an earnest listener capable of representing the diverse interests and needs of her community. Her specific initiatives include expanding on the HBCU exchange program and Black RSO funding, pushing for accessibility to organizations and programs, and spearheading a creative equity initiative which aims to support student creatives.
Solomon has made a compelling case for her character, with multiple tangible pathways to address pressing issues.
5 — Colton Beardsley, Independent
Junior transfer student Colton Beardsley understands the unique challenges his community faces and is deeply committed to advocate for it. His experience in student leadership, including his role as the legislation and research executive for the ASUC transfer student representative and serving as senator of social and behavioral sciences for the Associated Students of Antelope Valley College, or AVC, has allowed him to actively work on legislation that enhances the transfer student experience at UC Berkeley.
Beardsley is advocating for reducing redundant coursework between community colleges and the university, helping students avoid retaking classes they’ve already completed and bringing awareness to a better streamlined course articulation agreement. With a platform of housing advocacy, advancing the housing offer timeline and increasing transparency on housing conditions, we believe that Beardsley is well positioned to address one of the most pressing issues facing students today.
Beardsley is the advocate transfer students need. His experience, passion, and dedication to making tangible change for our community make him the ideal candidate for the ASUC senate.
6 — Nicole Nuñez-Rivera, ElevateCal
Nicole Nuñez-Rivera, the Latine community endorsed candidate, is dedicated to serving undocumented and Latine students and is not afraid to stand firm behind those she represents — even in the face of a daunting federal administration. Nuñez-Rivera’s platform centers on ensuring undocumented students feel safe, included, and supported, advocating for a community that she acknowledges is not exclusively Latine. As a co-executive under current ASUC Senator Jonathan Franco’s Latine community excellence and welfare department, Nuñez-Rivera has worked on the Undocumented Student Affairs Committee, demonstrating her ability to set tangible goals and achieve them through her work. Nuñez-Rivera has promised to include undocumented students in conversations and spaces.
Through her involvement as a Latinx Business Student Association member and prior experience in the ASUC, Nuñez-Rivera has demonstrated that community will be central to her work as senator.
7 — Kiara Price, ElevateCal
Price is driven by her commitment to expanding resources for Black students at UC Berkeley. Price previously worked as the DEI co-deputy in ASUC president Sydney Roberts’ office and is currently the co-chief of staff for ASUC senator Isha Chander. She has gained valuable experience in advocating for equitable policies and ensuring that students have the support and representation they deserve on campus through these positions.
One of Price’s central priorities is strengthening Black Greek Life on campus, not only by creating scholarships to alleviate financial barriers but also by fostering collaboration across various student organizations. Through her efforts to expand study-abroad programs to Morocco and Kenya as well as bridging communities within Greek Life, she’s shown a proven track record for bridging the divides between various campus communities and helping to unite students from different backgrounds.
Price is more than qualified to be a senator in the ASUC. She will not only meet but exceed the expectations of her constituents.
8 — Bella Santos, Independent
Bella Santos, the Eco Senator hopeful, recognizes the intersectional nature of ecological problems. Santos has pursued environmental justice initiatives on campus as the co-director of fossil fuel dissociation efforts underneath ASUC Eco Senator China Duff, and beyond it as an active advocate for climate literacy. She possesses a clear understanding of the bigger ecological picture and how Berkeley fits into it.
As the Eco Senator, Santos hopes to further address climate literacy on campus by pioneering a new Environmental Justice major in collaboration with the Student Environmental Resource Center. She also hopes to create an Eco Community town hall to raise marginalized voices and expand the eco-office’s divestment efforts to encompass not only fossil fuels but also industries that contribute to occupation, violence, and other forms of environmental damage.
Santos has the experience, vision, and passion necessary to lead holistic sustainability-focused initiatives that will sow the seeds for a greener campus to come into full bloom.
9 — Shawn Rhee, ElevateCal
Shawn Rhee is this year’s Pilipinx community endorsed senatorial candidate. A first-generation immigrant from the Philippines and a transfer student, Rhee brings a critical perspective shaped by the challenges of navigating higher education. As legislative director for current ASUC Pilipinx-endorsed senator Abigail Verino and with experience interning in both San Francisco and Alameda County, Rhee has already demonstrated a deep commitment to public service. His platforms emphasize academic and career access, economic opportunity, and mental wellness — all while bolstering solidarity between underrepresented communities, reflecting his dedication to accessibility and advocacy.
Rhee’s thoughtful, inclusive approach to student representation would be a valuable addition to the ASUC senate.
10 — Lucia Stankovic, Independent
Lucia Stankovic is one of the few candidates running to represent the international community. As the only UC Berkeley student from Montenegro, Lucia understands the painstaking feeling of being part of a community that lacks resources. She has a clear-sighted, ambitious agenda that addresses the challenges international students face: visa and legal support, tenant rights guidance, navigating travel restrictions, professional opportunity, and basic needs access expansion. Stankovic spoke candidly about the roadblocks her agenda might encounter. However, her track record as a student and campus leader shows she has the tenacity and creativity to overcome the challenges of the senatorial office.
11 — Jada Yang, Independent
Jada Yang is an independent candidate running to represent the disabled and East Asian communities. Yang, who was born with cerebral palsy, understands the needs of her community and seeks to not only represent but integrate the disabled community into the ASUC. She emphasizes the importance of intersectionality and plans to use her experiences to guide her policy. Yang, who has substantial experience in the offices of ASUC Senator Ayden Reading and ASUC President Shri Gopal, the Disabled Students commission, and the Health Advocacy Commission, would prove an efficacious ASUC senator.
Yang’s platforms addressing the needs of the disabled community stand out.
Notable plans include subsidizing funds to improve disability access programs and services, advocating for a campus emergency preparedness guide for those with mobility devices, vision and hearing impairments, and establishing a disabled student community caucus. If elected, the tangible plans Yang seeks to implement will undoubtedly address the needs of the disabled community.
12 — Talia Golshani, Independent
Talia Golshani, the Jewish Student Union endorsed candidate, demonstrates a strong commitment to Jewish representation and campus safety. She has introduced and sponsored legislation addressing issues impacting Jewish students while promoting Jewish culture, history, and interfaith dialogue. Golshani advocates for educational content on Jewish holidays, hosting holiday celebrations across campus and expanding access to Kosher dining options.
Campus safety is a top priority for Golshani, who aims to expand CPR and First Aid training for student leaders and introduce emergency supply kits in high-traffic areas. She hopes to introduce legislation that will include regular emergency drills and aims to work with the Berkeley Fire Department and local emergency services to enhance safety protocols.
Talia is a dedicated leader with a clear vision for improving the campus experience for all students.
13 — Saigeldeep Ghotra, ElevateCal
For a senate working to improve its transfer representation, Saigeldeep Ghotra is key. Ghotra, running with ElevateCal, is a transfer student from San Diego Miramar College and executive within the ASUC Office of transfer student representative. She has the personal and professional experience for following through on her platform promises in the senate.
Ghotra has tangible ideas, such as adding a CAPS support group for transfers to organizing workshops on SHIP waivers, EBT, and welfare, as well as other basic needs support.
Her overall emphasis on the intersection of these resources with the diverse experiences within the transfer student population on campus leaves us confident that she will be a successful representative for her community.
14 — Kavyun Parker, CalSERVE
Kavyun Parker, a freshman running with CalSERVE, is dedicated to building a community for Black students at Berkeley. While he has ASUC experience in current ASUC Senator Owen Knapper Jr.’s office, his political strength emerges from his extensive involvement in public service. Since age 13, Parker has worked with the California governor and senator offices in his capacity as Youth Governor of California.
Parker’s platform aims to bolster Black representation in the ASUC and on campus. He hopes to drive Black student voter registration and spearhead events for Black students to make pre-professional and intercommunity connections. He also seeks to address the lack of visibility surrounding sexual violence by increasing mandatory training in sexual violence and sexual harassment prevention and education.
Parker’s genuine commitment to the ASUC senate shines through, and it’s clear that his campaign centers around his sense of responsibility to his community. Between his political experience, passion, and plan, Parker will lead with transparency and be a vocal representative for his community.
15 — Reg Macarro, ElevateCal
Reg Macarro has an unwavering commitment to indigenous advocacy and environmental justice. As the only Indigenous candidate from California, Reg hopes to increase representation and visibility for his community within the ASUC, his identity serving as a personal driving force for environmental sustainability.
If elected, he hopes to address the lack of Indigenous representation in student government and student spaces. During his interview, Macarro emphasized that it is crucial to ensure these voices are uplifted rather than suppressed.
As senator, Macarro hopes to incorporate and reify knowledge about indigenous movements like the Land Back movement to cultivate a campus that does not only tolerate but embraces his underrepresented community.
Macarro has passionate yet exacting plans as a senator-hopeful and will foreground Indigenous voices and champion environmental justice in the senate.
16 — Somer Alrai, Independent
Somer Alrai is the MEMSSA endorsed candidate, who is more than ready to protect her community’s voice in a time of political uncertainty and fear. Alrai’s experience as the chief of staff to the current ASUC MEMSSA Senator Medina Danish equips her with the experience necessary to protect the coalition’s external power within the ASUC and administration and ensure all identities within the community are heard and supported.
Her platforms include offering support to undocumented and international students through initiatives such as collaborating with local legal organizations to offer MEMSSA specific resources, alongside initiatives to promote and strengthen inter-coalition collaborations. Somer Alrai has proven herself to be a bold representative for a community that has continuously been underrepresented by campus administrators.
17 — Sydney Scott, Independent
Sydney Scott has both the insight and experience necessary to effectively advocate for student safety and wellness. Working as the Chief of Staff for Senator Max Rodman and having previously served in the office of the president as a research and policy intern, Scott has garnered the knowledge and skills that are necessary to navigate the ASUC as well as the university administration.
Scott has student safety and women’s health and wellness as top priorities when elected. Her platform reflects a thoughtful and holistic understanding of student needs and safety. She aims to improve campus-wide safety infrastructure by advocating for the day and night shuttles to run more frequently and working with campus security to ensure faster response times for the blue-light system. Scott plans to host educational workshops, collaborate with healthcare organizations, and launch campaigns aiming to increase awareness of sexual health services to promote healthy sexual behaviors.
With a clear vision and a demonstrated commitment to student health and well-being, Scott is prepared to turn advocacy into tangible, lasting change.
18 — Lizbeth Ortiz, Independent
Having served as chief of staff to ASUC Carlos González, Lizbeth Ortiz brings valuable institutional knowledge that will allow her to effectively advocate for students and hold the UC Berkeley administration accountable. Ortiz’s disability visibility platform sets her apart from other candidates. She is committed to improving campus accessibility by working with the administration to enhance building infrastructure, benefiting all students with disabilities. Ortiz also hopes to raise awareness about physical and mental disabilities, combat misconceptions, and promote understanding.
Her campaigns will address ableism and emphasize that accurate equity means more than just equality—ensuring every student has the necessary resources and opportunities. Lizbeth will also expand ASUC resources to support underrepresented communities and create a post-grad resource plan.
Ortiz’s experience, vision, and commitment to creating a more inclusive campus make her a strong choice for senator.
19 — Sydnee Thy, Independent
Sydnee Thy’s campaign is rooted in Southeast Asian community advocacy, first-generation excellence, and a commitment to wellness and public service. A sophomore student double majoring in political science and Southeast Asian studies, Thy is running independently with the endorsement of the Southeast Asian Caucus. Her campaign speaks to the importance of intentional and specific representation, particularly for students who are underrepresented. Thy hopes to bridge the longstanding disconnect between Southeast Asian students across the diaspora by building stronger, more accessible channels of communication. Her ideas are grounded in lived experience of her involvement in smaller RSOs, holds a leadership role in Greek life, and teaches a public policy DeCal — all of which give her a wide-reaching understanding of student needs.
With this background, she envisions the ASUC as a more effective bridge between student organizations and university administrations. Her voice would not only reflect her community; it would help reshape what inclusive student government looks like.
20 — Anamaria Abnusy, ElevateCal
Anamaria Abnusy is running with ElevateCal on platforms of Armenian and Iranian representation, career resources, and support for immigrant students. Through all her platforms, Abnusy advocates for inclusion, whether that be bolstering career resources through programming with various departments on campus and industry leaders or increasing cultural representation for Armenian, Iranian, and immigrant students. Abnusy offers experience in student leadership as chief of staff for current ASUC senator Tony Ordoukhanian. She also works in professional development for the Middle Eastern Business Association and aims to expand ASUC career resources into the STEM and business fields. Lastly, Abnusy hopes to set up legal and DACA-renewal workshops for students, as well as host financial advocacy workshops. At a time when undocumented and international students are facing substantial federal threats, it’s critical to have senators like Abnusy that will prioritize these communities.
Editorials, including endorsements, represent solely the opinions of the student editorial board of The Daily Californian and not those of the University of California or any non-student party.
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