‘We won as a family’

SGA announces election results

Juan Espinoza, from the Team Victoriam ticket, was elected Student Government Association president with 42% of the vote, according to results shared today by the organization. 

In an interview with The Rider after the results were announced, Espinoza thanked the entire team.

“Like I’ve told people, it’s not just the executive team that ran with us,” he said. “ We ran with many other senators … [and] I really wouldn’t have won if it wasn’t for them.” 

Also elected on the Team Victoriam ticket are external vice president Ian Alfaro and internal vice president Clarissa Rendon.

 “I don’t think we won as a team,” Espinoza said. “I think we won as a family.” 

Three executive teams participated in the 2025–26 SGA elections, said Delma Olivarez, associate dean of Students for the Center of Student Involvement and co-advisor of the SGA.

She said this year’s voter turnout exceeded last year’s numbers.

“It is very exciting to see so many students decide to run for office,” Olivarez said. “The three executive tickets have been all over our campuses speaking with students to gain their support.”

After three weeks of campaigning, students were able to cast their votes from April 7 to 10. During that time, each executive team had the opportunity to present their proposals and initiatives to students on the Brownsville and Edinburg campuses.

Espinoza told The Rider before the results were announced that he and his team presented to more than 50 classes.

“Most students didn’t even know what SGA stood for,” Espinoza said. “Our goal wasn’t just to get them to vote for us, but to help them understand what student government is.”

He said regardless of the election outcome, along with Alfaro and Rendon, they plan to continue engaging students and organizations across campus.

“SGA should shine a light on students so they can help make this university what it is,” Espinoza said.

Andrea Gaytan, presidential candidate for the Vaqueros Forward ticket, which received 37% of the vote, said her goal is to lead change on campus. She was joined by internal vice president candidate Skyler Howell and external vice president candidate Isabella Zapata.

“We are very confident in our Senate, hopefully if elected, we feel we are a strong ticket and have the requirements, eligibility and experience to back it up,” Gaytan, a junior, said.

She said she has been involved with SGA since her freshman year, serving as an intern and volunteer, and she hopes to be a voice for the student body.

“I’m always going to be active in my community,” Gaytan said. “I’m involved in four other student organizations where I hold leadership roles. So, no matter the result, I believe we ran a really good campaign.”

Orlando Dylan Alvarado, Jr., presidential candidate for the Together We Achieve ticket, which received 20% of the vote, was competing with the UTRGV Cheer Team in Daytona Beach, Florida, and external vice president candidate Hannah Emily Martinez spoke on his behalf.

Martinez said their team’s goals include reinstating the University Recreational Committee and the Pride of Justice Committee to give students more opportunities to voice their opinions and ensure transparency with SGA along with internal vice president candidate Otweduampong-ba Ewuradwoa Nketiah. 

“No matter who wins, I know the student body will benefit,” she said. “Each of us just wants to help students and help our campus grow.”

Olivarez said students are welcome to join the SGA for bi-weekly senate meetings in the fall.

To apply for vacant Senator and Associate Justice positions visit the Student Government Association V Link page.

For more information follow SGA on Instagram @utrgvsga.