Candidates for Student Senate | Fall 2025

The candidates for the First Year Student Senate elections are listed below. The candidates will be identically organized on the ballot. Each candidate has prepared a short bio to share with the voters so you can get to know them and why they want to represent you on Student Senate.

Election Information

We are still in the process of verifying eligibility, this list is subject to change.

Jayden Ramirez

I'm running because I want to represent our KU community. That means better communication between students and administration, more inclusive events, and making sure this student government actually works for all of us.

Ahlana Xayarath

Hello! My name is Ahlana Xayarath, and I am a first-generation college student studying computer engineering. In previous years, I was highly involved with my school and had many experiences in leadership positions that included student body vice president, vice president of National Honors Society, vice president of cultural clubs, and many more. I enjoy most of my time doing community service, being active, and working around my school. My main purpose of wanting to join the student senate is to help our voices, the student body, be heard and to be seen. I want to be able to help build a connection between the students and the school to address issues or concerns that would bring a change to our campus.

Ali Lopez

As an out-of-state student from El Paso, Texas, I bring a fresh perspective and a deep passion for creating meaningful change. Coming from a border city rich in culture and challenges, I’ve seen firsthand how important strong leadership can be. I want to join Student Senate to amplify the voices of students who may feel unheard. I believe in the power of communication and transparency, and I want to use my skills as a Journalism student to help build a more engaged campus community. KU has already given me the opportunity to grow, and now I want to give back by helping shape policies and initiatives that make student life better for everyone. I will use my voice to uplift others and help make real improvements to student life at KU. This campus is now my home, and I want to help make it feel like home for others too.

Evan Martin

“As students, we deserve a Senate that not only listens but acts. I’m running because I believe every Jayhawk should feel represented, supported, and empowered to succeed, both inside and outside the classroom.” – Evan Martin

Ethan Mosley

My name is Ethan Mosley, and I am in the marching band at KU, I play trombone and I recently attended a meeting and found it very interesting.

Claire Bockholt

Hello! I'm Claire, and I am a freshman in the School of Liberal Arts, majoring in Political Science and Spanish on the pre-law track. I am on the Rights and Affairs Council and live in the scholarship hall community. I would love to serve as a first-year senator to add a fresh and open perspective, help represent my peers at KU, and be a part of the positive impact the student senate has on campus. My top priorities are ensuring students’ academic success and supporting KU's vibrant student life by promoting inclusivity and a sense of community. I'm ready to commit as much time as necessary to promoting KU students’ best interests and allocating fees in an effective way that represents their voice. In the past, I've been involved in debate and various service organizations, so I'm passionate about addressing the needs of fellow students and connecting with them with opportunities inside and outside the Lawrence community.

Woudassie Belay

I’m a freshman at KU, majoring in Global and International Studies, on the Pre-Law track. Advocacy is a passion of mine, and it’s one that I developed thoroughly in high school. Through extracurriculars like serving as the Co-President of my high school’s Black Student Union (BSU) and K.A.Y. Club (a service and leadership organization), I fostered empathy for others by serving those who are in need socioeconomically or identify as being part of a marginalized group. I firmly believe empathy is one of the best qualities a leader can possess so that they can make sure people’s voices are heard. I was also the BSU representative of Young Allies, a diversity panel, and Olathe East’s Representative for the Superintendent’s Student Advisory Council, which both gave me practical experience to be able to speak on behalf of students and hold their best intentions at heart, very similar to Student Senate’s objective.

Anthony Black

Hi! My name is Anthony Black, I'm a freshman at KU pursuing a double major in accounting and finance on the pre-law track. My academics, athletics, and service experiences have built my passion for leading and supporting others. From my time as a team captain to my involvement as a Eagle Scout, I've learned how to listen to different perspectives, organize projects, and work toward goals with success. At KU, I want to continue using my skills and experiences to serve the student body and ensure that everyone's voice is heard. Additionally, I will use my financial skills to manage resources and make educated investment choices for the student body.

Kane Aldrich

I care a lot about our school and want to help make it the best place it can be. I enjoy listening to different perspectives and working with others to bring out positive change. Joining Student Senate would give me the chance to represent my classmates and make sure their voices are heard. I’d love to help plan events, share new ideas, and create opportunities that bring people together. I also see this as a way to grow as a leader, learning how to collaborate, compromise, and take on responsibility. Even small changes can make a big difference, and I’m excited about the chance to be part of a team dedicated to improving our school community.

Tim Sheplak

As a current political science major from Kansas City, I would like to join the student senate in order to create real strives towards the current issues that are clear at Kansas University. Whether it is fighting against the student right affairs, improving the community and the affairs involved, or something as simple as improved and more common free parking, I feel I can be a strong voice of the student body in communication with the University of Kansas.

Paul White

My name is Paul White, I’m from Lenexa, KS. I’m majoring in music production & tech and am involved in the Marching Jayhawks. I want to get into student senate so that i can make sure student groups can get plenty of funding to help our campus have opportunities for all students. I would greatly appreciate your vote to help make this happen.

Aryav Biyala

My name is Aryav Biyala, I'm a freshman studying Finance with a minor in Political Science on the pre-law track, and I'm excited to announce my candidacy for the University of Kansas Student Senate! With my experience in public service volunteering with my local city council, district attorney, and state representatives, I've built a strong understanding of advocacy and speaking out for change. If elected, I will be the voice that the freshman class deserves, working tirelessly to ensure every single one of your voices is heard and treated with the importance that you deserve. I'll prioritize making the campus a more inclusive, sustainable, and welcoming space that allows every Jayhawk to thrive. With your vote, we can turn words into action and build a brighter future for everyone on campus.

Luis F. Esqueda

I’m a first-year Civil Engineering student at KU. I moved to the U.S. in the fourth grade and am bilingual in Spanish and English, with an intermediate proficiency in French. I understand how challenging it can be to adjust to a new city or culture, and I hope to bring this perspective to the community. At Blue Valley West High School, I served on the student council and enjoyed helping my community. Through my choice of career, I have learned a lot about sustainability and hope to find ways to integrate some ideas into the community. Joining the Student Senate would allow me to represent diverse voices, contribute to meaningful change, and grow as a person. Through this opportunity, I hope to learn from others and help build a stronger campus community.

Asher Bowyer

I bring strong leadership and governing experience to my campaign for Student Senate. In high school, I served on student council, was president of my National Honor Society chapter, and sat on the principal’s advisory council, all of which taught me how to advocate for student needs. Here at KU, I know firsthand the impact of the student fee of over $500 that each of us pays both semesters. My goal is to ensure that those funds are used responsibly on projects and organizations that benefit the entire student body, and that every student is represented fairly, transparently, and completely.

Lane Lamping

Hi everyone! My name is Lane Lamping, I’m studying computer science/economics, and I’m hoping to be one of your next Freshman Senators because I believe every student deserves to have their voice heard in the decisions that shape our campus.I love listening to and building up people’s ideas, finding ways to turn them into action. I've put that passion into practice through experiences like interning for my state representative in Topeka and serving as the national student president and board representative for an educational nonprofit, where I even chaired a business meeting of over 1,000 delegates. These opportunities taught me how to lead and advocate effectively, establishing skills which I’m eager to bring to Student Senate.I’d be honored to continue using my experience to serve and amplify freshman student voices by representing you and helping build a stronger KU. Rock Chalk!

Gwynivere Kloeblen

Hi! My name is Gwynivere Kloeblen and I am a Political Science major on the Pre-Law track with a strong understanding and passion for leadership, advocacy, and student engagement. I’m wanting to running for Student Senate because I want to be an active participant in making decisions that directly impact our campus community. I whole heartedly think that student voices matter, and I want to make sure they’re heard. Joining the Senate would give me the opportunity to get valuable leadership experience while making positive differences that help the needs and concerns of my fellow students.

Mason R. Wear

My name is Mason Wear, and I am a first-year accounting major. I was elected to serve as a representative for the Community Development Fund, and I am excited about the opportunity to extend my reach to the Freshman Senate, so that I can help represent my classmates. I consider myself dedicated and hardworking, and I believe that solving problems and helping allocate funds to student organizations is one of the most rewarding tasks I can be entrusted with. Joining the Senate would be a great opportunity for me to grow as a leader and make a meaningful impact on our community while I support our peers. Thank you all for your consideration and time. - Mason Wear