Thursday, March 27, class of 2026 President Zoe Wang ’25 MPP ’26 and Sen. Matt Swenson ’26 won the College of William and Mary’s Student Assembly presidential election. The ticket faced competition from Secretary of Diversity and Inclusion William Henderson ’26 and Deputy Secretary of Outreach Alena Jones ’25 M.Ed ’26.
Wang and Swenson won with 50.8% of the vote (1345 votes), while 49.2% of voters (1302) put their confidence in Henderson and Jones.
Wang described her reaction to her win.
“I think I’m a little surprised,” she said. “Definitely very thankful. It was so close. Every vote counted. Everyone we talked to who helped us out and supported us truly made the difference. So just really grateful for everyone on our team.”
This year’s election mirrors the 2024 candidacies, with two campaigns splitting the student body on many issues. Wang campaigned on diverse campus initiatives and hands-on work, while Henderson emphasized the importance of approachability in SA and promoting students’ diversity and equity concerns.
In a statement to The Flat Hat, Henderson and Jones congratulated Wang and Swenson on their win.
“Congratulations Zoe and Matt! We wish you and your team success as you transition into your new roles! We hope as you serve the William & Mary community that you continue to incorporate all students – their thoughts, wants, and needs – so that everyone may see themselves part of Student Assembly. We applaud you on running a great campaign!” Henderson and Jones wrote.
This election featured several significant endorsements. The Flat Hat, Student Athlete Advisory Committee, the College’s Young Democrats, former Williamsburg City Council member Caleb Rogers ’20 and VOX: Planned Parenthood Generation Action, among others, endorsed Wang. On the opposing side, the College Socialists, Williamsburg for All, William and Mary Choir, individuals in the Interfraternity and Panhellenic Councils, various multicultural organizations and others endorsed Henderson.
According to this year’s election results, 2,647 students voted on the recent ballot. Last year, 3,607 students took part in the election.
Swenson described their next plans, emphasizing their platform of advocating for all students.
“Lots of work to do, especially because the race was so close,” Swenson said. “We want to make sure we’re representing all students, so working with the other team. We really value talking to so many students because we really want to represent everyone, and it’s just amazing that we could go to so many people and hear so many different voices. That’s really the best part of campaigning.”
Wang echoed this sentiment and described her plans to incorporate feedback she received during campaigning.
“I think we definitely heard a lot of great feedback this week on what students are concerned about, and hopefully we’ll hear more from what Will and Alena’s campaign gathered as well,” Wang said.
Incumbent class presidents Nico Giro-Martin ’27 and Devaughn Henry ’28 both won re-election uncontested, while the class of 2026 elected Debbie Ho ’26 as its new class president.
The class of 2026 senatorial candidates were all elected, as only two candidates ran for four open spots. Esma Akram ’26 is returning to the senate as an incumbent. Jason Zheng ’26 is the only new arrival to the senate from the class of 2026, formerly serving as a member of the Review Board and chair of the Independent Elections Commission.
Six candidates battled for the class of 2027 senator positions. Sen. Tyson Liverman ’27, Sen. Mayer Tawfik ’27 and Sen. Cheryl Dao ’27 all won reelection, while newly elected Quinn Clancey ’27 won the last spot.
All four candidates running for class of 2028 senator won the role. Nina Argel ’28 and Ryan Silien ’28 are returning to senate, along with newly-elected senators Ryan Ponmakha ’28 and Mackenna Wyckoff ’28.
