Below are the Executive Council candidates for the Spring 2026 General Election.
President
Kyle Porter
Hey Everyone! My name is Kyle Porter, a senior at the university studying Public Health & Japanese, and I am honored to officially announce my candidacy for the University of Alabama Student Government Association (SGA) Student Presidency! My time here at the university hasn’t been characterized by long nights in Gorgas, or crowded afternoons in Bryant-Denny, but by the beautiful relationships that I’ve been able to build with the people and community who truly mean the most. Although our university excels in all disciplines, from business lectures in Hewson to organic chemistry in Shelby–it’s the students, traditions, and relationships we’ve built together that hold the most value, that truly exemplify who we are as a university. The University of Alabama isn’t just a line on a resume or a logo on a helmet, it’s a statute of character and culture that defines our lives and carries us forward, into a collective future of championships and success
As your Student President, my mission is clear: to support the personal, professional, and academic success of each and every student, along with advocating for the culture, traditions, and relationships that define who we are. Although this mission may seen like a promise etched in marble, I’ve strived to exemplify it’s tenets throughout my time here at the university. I am the Founder & Director of The Spirito Foundation, a national 501(c) nonprofit aimed to combat retirement home resident loneliness. I am also the Founder & director of Tide4Tusclaoosa (T4T), a student volunteering organization here on campus, and I am the student president of the official pre-health honors society Alpha Epsilon Delta (AED) and the DCH Volunteer Program. I also strive to support students from different backgrounds, and participate in the University of Alabama Japanese Language Partner Program. Finally, I am a student intern with the Japan-America Society of Alabama (JASA) and a Foreign Service Officer Intern with the United States Department of State.
With my experience, and our collective mission, we can move forward together and truly optimize our personal, professional, and academic success. This year, your vote is your future. Thank you!
Aaron Rak
My name is Aaron B. Rak, and it would be a true honor to serve as your next president! There are many things that I would hope to do, from making the student experience much BETTER than ever before and try to make it the GREATEST STUDENT EXPERIENCE IN THE COUNTRY!
This starts with working with parking services to let students park easier on campus. For far too long, their operations have crippled the wallets of students, from exorbitant prices to park on campus, to extortionary prices for their “tickets”. Especially with a crumbling bus fleet that is really terrible (which they keep terrible so you pay them for parking), we need a way to get to classes and school events. The best way to do this is to allow students to come to campus easier and, more importantly, CHEAPER. This, in turn, will boost student activities, since getting to campus is now easier than ever.
On top of this, we will fight to eliminate the $30 course change fee that was sprung upon us all this last semester. This charge is not fair, and I hope to address this on day 1. Students adjust their schedule based on what will be the best move for them for their academic progress and their future. With this in mind, it makes no sense to me that the university would penalize people who are looking to adjust their course so that they can be more successful in their course loads, be that either dropping courses that they don’t feel prepared for, or adding courses that they are now eligible for thanks to transfer credits over an interim.
This is just a sneak peek of the greatness that is to come, and I look forward to implementing this for the benefit of all of us! Thank you, and ROLL TIDE!
Samantha Simmons
Today, I am announcing my campaign to be your next SGA President. Growing up in Hartselle, Alabama, I never could have imagined the journey that awaited me at UA. Over the past three years, I have served as a first-year councilor, led SGA’s Academic Affairs Cabinet, and was elected your Vice President for Academic Affairs. Along the way, we successfully advocated for campus-wide access to the Wall Street Journal, developed a credit-bearing internship program, and launched a fund to provide financial support for those seeking leadership and academic opportunities.
Our campus is experiencing tremendous progress driven by a clear vision from new leadership. We must ensure that this change reflects and elevates the voices of students. From serving on the Advisory Council on Wellness to attending Faculty Senate meetings, I have spent my time in SGA listening intently to the concerns and desires of our campus community.
My team and I have designed a platform that meets the needs of students from across campus. We will lower financial barriers, prepare students professionally, strengthen academic resources, and improve the quality of life on campus. Most importantly, students will have a strong voice and a seat at the table.
Stronger with Samantha means dreaming big and delivering results. I will lead with purpose, preparation, and resolve; when I commit to change, I see it through. I humbly ask for your vote and would be honored to serve as your next SGA President.
Please join me and vote Stronger with Samantha on Tuesday, February 24th, from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. on myBama.
Executive Vice President
Freddie Nelson
Hello UA! My name is Freddie Nelson, and I am humbled to announce my candidacy to be your next SGA Executive Vice President. I am a Junior at the Capstone from Birmingham, Alabama majoring in Biology and minoring in Italian.
Beginning my SGA tenure elected to the senate my freshman year to now serving as Vice-President for External Affairs, I have had the privilege to lead a team of 115 members across four divisions within SGA. Together, we have made substantial progress for the University, including raising a record breaking $21,500 for the Joe Espy SGA Scholarship through upgrading the Battle of the Bands season. Additionally, overseeing Lobby Board has led to a complete restructure and new operation while still maintaining its nonpartisanship and advocacy mission, now known as the “Voice of the Capstone.” This work and the companionship centered around my team within External Affairs has proven to be a product of what is possible when collaboration meets campus.
Running to serve as Executive Vice President, I hope to ensure SGA and the Capstone continuously work together in creating intentional change and supporting the student body through my platform, Be First With Freddie. This platform elevates students’ ability to Be First in their collegiate endeavors by strengthening SGA’s commitments and advancing its resources for the student body. I’m excited to share how I plan to achieve this mission during campaign week, and if elected, I look forward to turning Be First With Freddie into meaningful action for The University of Alabama.
Serving in SGA has been a blessing by opening a medicine-minded brain to a pathway for innovation, service, and direction. I am grateful to have had the chance to Be First in my own college experience by building a treasured network of lifelong friends, state leaders, administrators, and professors. With the opportunity to serve as Executive Vice President, I am motivated to help as many students as I can achieve what they choose to Be First in at the Capstone.
I ask you Be First With Freddie Tuesday, February 24th from 7AM-7PM on myBama.
Roll Tide, Freddie Nelson
Vice President for Academic Affairs
Madelyn Herwig
Hello, UA! My name is Madelyn Herwig, and I am humbled and delighted to announce my candidacy for the Student Government Association’s Vice President for Academic Affairs. I am a sophomore from Tuscaloosa, AL, double-majoring in General Business and English with minors in Public Policy and the Blount Scholars Program on the Pre-Law track. Academics have played a formative role in my college experience, and I believe the student government should actively strengthen the academic success of every student it represents at The University of Alabama.
My involvement in SGA began with First Year Council, and this year, I serve as a Culverhouse College of Business Senator and Head of the External Affairs Committee. Through these roles, I have gained firsthand experience in student advocacy and collaborative leadership while building strong relationships with UA administrators, the Faculty Senate, UAPD, and campus organizations. These partnerships have reinforced my conviction that transparent communication and cooperation across all levels of the university are essential to effectively serving students and driving meaningful change.
As a bilingual dual citizen of Germany and the United States, I bring a global and cross-cultural viewpoint to educational leadership. Navigating multiple educational frameworks and cultural expectations has shaped how I approach problem-solving and teamwork. This position informs my commitment to ensuring that curriculum-focused resources, policies, and opportunities are understandable and equitable.
Academics are the foundation of the University experience, and their organization is crucial to individual achievement and societal improvement. My team and I have created a platform built around key pillars: accessibility, student success, and accountability. We will prioritize expanding pathways for internship and experiential learning credit, enhancing recognition for academic accomplishments, and fostering stronger connections between our peers and faculty. I am committed to advancing initiatives that support curricular achievement in meaningful and measurable ways, expanding access to institutional resources, and strengthening reliability within governance so that student concerns translate into informed action.
I would be honored to serve as a bridge between students and collegiate leadership, championing a scholarly environment that is rigorous, inclusive, and responsive to the students it supports.
Roll Tide, Madelyn Herwig
Harlie Hicks
My name is Harlie Hicks, and I am a first-generation student majoring in Sport Management and a member of the University of Alabama Honors College. I am at UA because of my academic scholarship, and that experience has shaped my commitment to academic advocacy and student success. My formal campus involvement includes Girls Club Alabama and the Student Pre-Law Association.
I am running for Vice President of Academic Affairs because I believe academic success should be accessible, transparent, and supported for every student. UA students come from many different backgrounds and pursue involvement in different ways, and SGA has the responsibility to ensure all students feel informed, represented, and connected to their academic experience.
My platform focuses on academic accessibility, communication, and collaboration. I want to strengthen communication between students and academic leadership, advocate for clear advising and academic resources, and work across colleges and organizations to support student success. As Vice President of Academic Affairs, I will listen, collaborate, and work tirelessly to ensure every student has the opportunity to thrive at the University of Alabama.
Vice President for Belonging and Wellness
Marykate Foster
Hello, UA! My name is Marykate Foster, and I could not be more excited to announce my candidacy to be your next SGA Vice President for Belonging and Wellness. I’m a sophomore from Fairhope, Alabama, majoring in Psychology with a minor in Human Resource Management. Throughout my time at the Capstone, I have experienced firsthand what it truly means to live out our motto of “Students Serving Students,” and I have discovered a genuine passion for serving the UA community.
My journey within SGA began as a First-Year Councilor, where I had the honor and privilege of representing the freshman class. This experience enabled me to listen to my freshman peers’ concerns and implement lasting changes that enhance the first-year experience. As my passion for leadership and service continued to grow, I ran for and now proudly serve as a Senator for the Barefield College of Arts and Sciences. Within the Senate, I currently lead the Belonging and Wellness Committee, where I’ve passed several pieces of legislation and led impactful initiatives centered on improving student well-being and community across campus.
In each position I’ve held in SGA, I have witnessed the profound impact student voices can have on a community when working together. Whether through leading initiatives, elevating underrepresented voices, or strengthening our campus community, I am confident these experiences have equipped me with the skills to lead our student body with purpose and compassion. Belonging isn’t just about having a seat at the table; it’s about knowing your voice truly matters. If elected, I will make that value central to my role and performance.
My platform is built on three pillars: Belong, Support, and Thrive. Guided by the Alabama Model for Student Health and Wellbeing and its seven dimensions of wellness, these pillars capture my dedication to supporting students across every aspect of their college experience. I want to ensure that every student finds community and support at Alabama, and I will work tirelessly to amplify student voices and turn your possibilities into realities.
Don’t forget that #YouMatterWithMarykate! Voting opens Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2026, from 7:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Emma Honer
My name is Emma Honer, and I am a junior at the University of Alabama majoring in Public Health and Social Work with additional studies in Management and Neuroscience. Throughout my time at UA, I have been deeply involved in campus life through Student Government Association, First Year Experience, Universities Against Cancer, Alpha Psi Omega, Sigma Alpha Lambda, University Chorus, and undergraduate research. I currently serve on the SGA Board of Governors, where I work directly with student organizations to promote fairness, transparency, and student engagement. Across all of my involvement, my focus has always been on service, advocacy, and creating spaces where students feel supported and heard.
I am running for executive office, because I believe student government should be accessible, responsive, and centered on the needs of students. My experiences in mentoring first-year students, working with community partners, and serving in SGA have shown me how powerful student leadership can be when it prioritizes connection and accountability. I want to continue advocating for students at a broader level and help ensure that every student feels represented, valued, and empowered during their time at UA.
My platform is built on three pillars: student well-being, inclusive engagement, and community impact. I am committed to expanding wellness and belonging initiatives that support students academically, socially, and personally. I also aim to strengthen communication between SGA and the student body by increasing transparency and creating more opportunities for student input. Finally, I want to promote civic engagement by encouraging collaboration between campus organizations and the Tuscaloosa community, ensuring that our impact extends beyond campus and leaves our community better than we found it.
At its core, my campaign is about showing up for students, listening with intention, and leading with purpose. I am ready to serve, advocate, and work tirelessly to help build a stronger, more connected University of Alabama.
Vice President for Communications
No candidates have been certified for the Vice President for Communications position. This poll is write-in only, and any individuals nominated must adhere to all campaign spending limits and campaigning regulations set forth in the Elections Manual, satisfy the eligibility requirements for Executive Council candidates outlined in Article IV, Section 3 of the SGA Constitution, and formally accept the position if elected.
Vice President for External Affairs
Lily Leitner
Hello, UA! My name is Lily Leitner, and I am grateful to announce my candidacy for Vice President for External Affairs. Born and raised in Tuscaloosa, The University of Alabama has been part of my life for as long as I can remember–not just as a campus, but as a community that influenced who I am. From my first classroom at The University of Alabama Children’s Program to growing up around campus traditions and service, UA instilled in me an early understanding of how relationships, trust, and care sustain this place.
I am running because this campus raised me, challenged me, and gave me opportunities I never imagined. Through experiences like the Black Belt Experience with the Dr. Robert E. Witt University Fellows Program and serving in roles centered on connection and outreach, I learned that leadership is not about visibility, but about listening, follow-through, and building systems that endure. Whether working alongside community members in West Alabama or welcoming prospective students and families as a Culverhouse College of Business Ambassador, I have seen how intentionally cultivated external relationships foster belonging and strengthen the student experience.
My time in SGA–serving on Executive Cabinet as Deputy Chief of Staff–showed me what it takes to turn ideas into action. Supporting initiatives across branches, advancing transparency efforts, and collaborating with campus and community partners gave me a clear understanding of how external engagement directly improves student life.
My platform, Be Legendary with Leitner, focuses on strengthening the connection between students, campus, and the communities where decisions are made. My team and I have built a platform grounded in listening with purpose, advancing civic engagement, and expanding partnerships that elevate student voices beyond campus. This campaign is about refining what works and investing in external advocacy that protects student interests today and creates lasting impact beyond my time at UA.
I would be honored to continue serving The University of Alabama and kindly invite you to support #BeLegendarywithLeitner by voting on MyBama on February 24 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
With gratitude, Lily Leitner
Vice President for Financial Affairs
Alex Soliz
My name is Alex Soliz, and I am from Dallas, Texas. I am majoring in Biology with a minor in General Business. I currently serve in the Student Government Association as Senator for the Barefield College of Arts & Sciences and Committee Head for the Finance Senate Committee. Serving in SGA has been one of the most meaningful parts of my time at The University of Alabama because it has allowed me to build real relationships across campus while working on outcomes that directly affect students. After seeing how Financial Affairs impacts every corner of student life, I believe the next step in my service is to run for Vice President for Financial Affairs. In this role, my goal is to remain rooted in serving the student body to the best of my ability. I will accomplish this through transparency, confidence, and providing advantages for student organizations and the student body as a whole.
If elected as Vice President for Financial Affairs, I intend to strengthen trust in SGA funding by improving how Financial Affairs communicates with and supports students. My goal is to make the processes easier to navigate, expectations clearer, and outcomes trackable. I will prioritize clear, consistent guidance for funding requests. It will be a transparent way to share how student funds are allocated and why decisions are made, as well as practical education that helps students manage budgets responsibly. I will approach this role with a strong work ethic, attention to detail, and a commitment to being both professional and approachable, because Financial Affairs should be known for responsiveness as much as it is known for accountability. It would be an honor to serve The University of Alabama as Vice-President for Financial Affairs and help more students feel supported by our traditions and systems that lead to success on and off campus.
Vice President for Student Affairs
Anna Beth Frazier
Hey, UA! My name is Anna Beth Frazier, and I am so overjoyed to announce my candidacy for SGA’s Vice President for Student Affairs. I am a sophomore from Birmingham, Alabama, majoring in Criminal Justice and Accounting on the pre-law track.
Since my freshman year, while serving as a First Year Councilor, I have been motivated to find effective and direct ways to advocate for student needs, collaborate with student leaders across campus, and foster a commitment to service. Now, during my time serving as an SGA Senator for the Barefield College of Arts and Sciences, I have been able to author and be a part of legislation, such as Changing the Tide events and the utilization of ASL interpreters at larger SGA events. Through this role and by leading the Student Affairs Committee in SGA’s Senate, I have developed a deep passion for further strengthening the everyday student experience at the Capstone.
As Vice President for Student Affairs, I intend to apply the motto “Students Serving Students” to ensure effective and meaningful change. With my platform, I plan to emphasize the importance of the student experience, campus connections, opportunity growth, and student preparedness. These four pillars are designed to support students both during their time at UA and beyond. I am committed to enhancing student life by ensuring student voices are heard, building powerful organizational relationships, establishing access to leadership opportunities, and equipping students with the skills to safely succeed during their time at UA.
Within this role, I will work to build a campus where students feel supported in every stage of their social, academic, and professional lives.
I hope you will choose to #AchievewithAnna Beth from 7AM-7PM on Tuesday, February 24th.