AAS Candidate Statements for 2026-2027 JC and BC

The students below have announced their candidacies for these elections. All candidates are listed alphabetically by last name. If the statements end in ellipses, it is because they have been shortened to fit the 100-word limit. Statements have been edited in accordance with AP Style.

Judiciary Council

Lia Miller:

Hi everyone! My name is Lia, and I’m running to continue serving on the Judiciary Council. As a former senator, College Council member, and AC Law Review editor, I bring experience with our constitution and have already worked to strengthen it. Last semester, I helped settle an election dispute, pass new bylaws, and review RSO membership. If re-elected, I want to improve coordination between the JC and other Senate committees. I also hope to improve communication with the student body about JC agendas and policy changes by increasing our social media outreach. Thank you! 

Andy Weisberg:

Hello everyone, my name is Andy Weisberg, and I’m running for reelection to the Judiciary Council. This past year, the Judiciary Council held a trial to resolve an election dispute and was involved in rewriting the AAS Constitution. If reelected, I hope to utilize these experiences for any trials or constitutional amendments that come before the council in the future. I know this is the third ballot you’ve been requested to cast this month, but voting is this Friday, and I would greatly appreciate your support. I hope to see all of you around campus, and as always, Roll Mammoths! 

Jeremy You:

Having served on the Judiciary Council this past year, I am well-versed in its core responsibilities: reviewing referenda, evaluating Senate projects, and adjudicating formal complaints. I actively supported the new Constitution because it eliminates redundancies, establishes crucial accountability for Senate committees, and remains strongly committed to protecting student rights. With the recent changes to the new RSO approval process, student organizations may face unprecedented administrative hurdles. If re-elected as an at-large member, I will be a firm advocate for the clubs students want, ensuring fair recognition and fighting to secure budgeted status for organizations that require financial support.

Andre Zhang:

Hello everyone! I’m Andre Zhang, sophomore and All-American on the Amherst Men’s Golf Team. I only have one goal: to bring more transparency and attention to what the judiciary council does. I will bring the same integrity and commitment that led to a national top 10 finish to the judiciary council, so you can count on me for results. Go Mammoths!

Sophia Zhuang:

Hi! My name is Sophia Zhuang, and I am running for the Judiciary Council. At Amherst, everyone should be able to trust that the constitution is honored and to understand its impact on our community. That is why, if elected, I will treat every case impartially and ensure that the constitution evolves to reflect our community’s values. Beyond advocating for fair outcomes, I am dedicated to transparency and communicating the Judiciary Council’s rulings in clear, accessible language, so that all members of our community can understand and engage with decisions that shape our campus.   

Budgetary Committee

Joanne Opoku:

Hi, everyone, my name is Joanne, and I am running for Budgetary Committee! I have been on BC since my freshman year, so I know the ins and outs of policies. I also single-handedly wrote and fixed the code for our most recent club budget sheet, so I am aware of both the policy and technical sides of things. I want to continue making the funding process more transparent and accessible for student organizations. I hope to count on your vote! 

Armaan Patel:

Through AAS, I will advocate for responsible, transparent budgeting that directly supports student needs. I hope to bring our community together by funding meaningful social events, strengthening academic support systems, developing internal course rating guides, expanding social awareness initiatives, and improving gym facilities.

As Senator, I will push for budgets that reflect student priorities, not hidden interests. I will remain accountable, communicate funding decisions clearly, and ensure student voices guide how resources are allocated. My goal is to serve as a mediator for change by making sure AAS funds are used fairly, effectively, and in the interest of all students.