The University of Iowa Student Government election season began with a kickoff party hosted by candidates Jacob Simpson and Lilián Sánchez.

The campaign kicked off Sunday, and  presidential candidate Simpson and vice presidential candidate Sánchez didn’t delay in announcing their ticket: Bridge UI.

Sánchez and Simpson hosted a kickoff party at Saloon Southwest Restaurant and Tequila Bar Sunday night. At the party, they talked about the mission of their campaign, what they hope to accomplish if elected, and how people could get involved.
In a Facebook statement, Sánchez said, “Our team of passionate student leaders is ready to advocate for the needs of our undergraduate student body.”

Many came out to support the announcement of their campaign.

“I think Lilián and Jacob are really trying to make social change happen on campus, and they want to make sure that every single person on campus feels recognized as an individual and a part of the community,” said Fatima Tall, who is running to be a senator on Sánchez and Simpson’s ticket. “I’m really excited to be running with them because they want to make sure every voice is heard.”

Two Iowa alumni spoke at the event about the importance of student civic engagement: Iowa City City Councilor Kingsley Botchway and former Maine state Sen. Dale McCormick.

Simpson and Sánchez are running unopposed for president and vice president. Their BridgeUI team also consists of 34 senatorial candidates.

The winners of the election will be announced on April 14.

— by Elianna Novitch