AAS Senate Election: New Candidate Statements

The Editorial Board

The Association of Amherst Students (AAS) will hold elections for AAS at-large Judiciary Council members and senators in each grade and transfer students on Thursday, April 27, 12 a.m. to 11:59 p.m. EDT. The students below have announced their candidacies for the election. Students who are interested in hearing from these candidates, or are interested in running but were unable to submit a candidate statement, should attend Speech Night on Wednesday, April 6, at 7 p.m. in Johnson Chapel.

Class of 2026

Claire Beougher

Hello everyone! My name is Claire Beougher, and I am running to be one of your AAS senators! I hail from the great state of Michigan, and I am a proud rower, baker, and sea shanty enthusiast! As a senator, I would work to improve the transparency and accountability of the senate, ensuring that the senate responds to all student concerns and addresses issues affecting our community in a timely manner. I would also seek to support all student groups in their endeavors so that the Amherst community can continue to grow and thrive!

Simon Burnham

My name is Simon Burnham. I am running for AAS senate. A vote for me is a vote for you. The future is bright.

Phuong Doan

I’m Phuong Doan, a current senator, and I’m running for reelection. Look, we all know this year has been crazy for AAS, so I would help reshape AAS. That is why I will work to change the inner functions of AAS. I introduced an amendment to create a stricter policy for committee participation. As a member of the Transportation Committee, I’ve seen how unorganized certain parts of AAS can be, and I hope to change that. I also have been working alongside Senator Chloe [Yim ’26] with the Health Education Department to bring sustainable menstrual products to campus.

Nathan Lee

My name is Nathan Lee, and I’m a first-year student from Mont- vale, New Jersey. My main goal is to boost community engagement. It’s rare events such as last Sunday’s City Streets that remind us of what potential the Amherst community has — events that are too few and far between due to budget and logistical issues. Sure, I’m humanities-minded and a high school debate alum like other senators. But at heart, I’m a math major, graphic designer, and ex-robotics team captain. I’ll bring a practical, calculated, yet personal mind that’s lacking in AAS but needed to solve this issue.

Tom Nash

I am running for Amherst senate for the class of 2026. During my first year at Amherst, I have seen all that Amherst has to offer; however, I have also seen the problems in the Amherst experience. As your class senator, I pledge to bring meaningful collaboration between different groups to better our class’s future. Amherst is a historically excellent institution, but we must take the required steps to continue our tradition of excellence. I look forward to working with different members of the Amherst class of 2026 community to better our experience moving forward.

Thomas O’Connor

I am Thomas O'Connor. I believe that with the right people, AAS can be a force for good. I am the right person. Vote for me. Thank you all.

Martha Odhiambo

My name is Martha Achieng Odhiambo, but let’s stick to Martha for now. I am back as promised and hoping to gain your trust once again. I am running for senate not because I have figured out some magical concoction to make your college experience a utopia one, but because having spent the little time I have with y’all has made me realize the awesomeness we hold as a class and how much I want to help us stay stronger moving forward. I want to be able to create an environment where everyone feels free to explore their individuality.

Griffin Postley

My name is Griffin Postley. I have a vision for the future. I want to change the world. I want to be your senator. Vote for me.

Ayres Warren

Hi everyone, my name is Ayres! Serving on senate this year, I worked with Dr. Jones and Mr. Garner on the accessibility and hours of Keefe Health Center and Frost respectively. Post-pandemic it’s really important that all our spaces adapt to student needs and I’d like to use my time in senate to prioritize this aspect of student life. This past year has strengthened many of my connections with administration and I look forward to continuing this relationship to get things done! I’d be honored as your representative and can’t wait to see what more we can accomplish together!

Chloe Yim

Hi, my name is Chloe Yim, a current class of ’26 senator. Over the course of this year I have gained experience in improving senate to better suit student needs, whether it be through contributing to the new weekly AAS newsletter in the PR committee or working with new funding policies in Budgetary Committee. I will continue to fight for accessibility on campus through my senate project with Phuong Doan

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