Saddleback College
2026-2027
ELECTION RESULTS
See below for the results for the 2026-2027 ASG Elections.
Noah Aguilar: 258 (ELECTED)
James Sherwood: 32
Miriya Reyes: 188 (ELECTED)
Nina Rose Hawthorne: 109
Nola Le Tran: 268 (ELECTED)
Riley Hahn: 279 (ELECTED)
Job Lim: 287 (ELECTED)
Jon MacKay: 270 (ELECTED)
Rose Tabatabaei: 276 (ELECTED)
Fahima Karim: 143 (ELECTED)
Hanna Akbari: 133
Katie Doyle: 221 (ELECTED)
Cleru Lopez: 181 (ELECTED)
Shahab Touski: 175 (ELECTED)
Vote counts below are for both Saddleback College and Irvine Valley College. Both colleges votes determine the winner.
Voting still in progress.
Eric Shin: 130 (ELECTED - After adding in vote counts from IVC).
Mahba Ahmad: 66
Ahmed Ahmed: 61
Candidate Information
Click the drop-down next to each candidate's name to view their photo and official candidate statement.
Running for President.
Serving as your ASG President has been an honor, and I am running for re-election to continue delivering real results for students!
One of my top accomplishments was increasing club funding by 25%, directly leading to the highest level of club engagement our campus has seen in the past six years. By prioritizing student organizations, we empowered clubs to expand programming, increase participation, and strengthen campus life.
As President, I also successfully organized the largest Saddleback car meet to date, bringing students together through a well-coordinated, student-led campus event. In addition, I strongly advocated for and helped achieve the expedited opening of key student spaces, including the cafeteria, the new café, and the Barnes & Noble bookstore to ensure students had faster access to essential services and gathering spaces.
I love serving as your incumbent ASG President because I believe in action, accessibility, and results. With your support, I am excited to continue building a more engaged, connected, and student-focused campus.
Running for President.
Hi! my name is James Sherwood, I am 23 and I served as a Combat Engineer from 2021 to 2025, where I learned the value of leadership, accountability, and teamwork in demanding environments. I had the opportunity to lead Marines as a squad leader during a deployment to the Southern Border mission and as a team leader while deployed with 1/5 on the 15th MEU. Those experiences shaped the way I approach responsibility and leadership today.
Although I am new to this veterans program, I am eager to get involved at every level and contribute in a meaningful way. Transitioning from military service to college can be challenging, and I believe a strong veterans community is essential for supporting one another academically, professionally, and personally. My goal as president would be to promote off campus activities within our veteran community such as barbecues and fun activities like going to K1 speed or going surfing as a group.
I am currently a manufacturing engineering intern and am working toward a degree in mechanical engineering. Balancing academics, work, and leadership has taught me time management and how to find time to have fun. Outside of school and work, I enjoy cars and hiking, and I value the balance that comes from staying active and connected beyond academics.
I am running for president because I want to serve again—this time by serving my fellow student veterans. I am committed, motivated, and ready to listen, learn, and lead. I would be honored to represent this program and help build a fun and engaging veterans community on campus.
Thank you for your consideration.
Running for Vice President.
Entering Saddleback, I never envisioned running for VP, but somehow, I became Senator of the Inter-Club Council. Given the responsibility of supporting every club on campus, my leadership grew exponentially. As Senator of ICC, I implemented systems that encouraged collaboration, transparency, and engagement. Under my leadership, Saddleback reached its highest level of club engagement in the past five years.
Internally, I aim to strengthen ASG by prioritizing leadership development through formal training, building knowledge of policy, and clear expectations pushing us to perform at higher standards. Setting ambitious goals while providing the support necessary for our team is the recipe to succeed.
Externally, I am dedicated to increasing visibility and connection across campus. Many vital resources, such as financial, mental, academic, and wellness, remain underutilized due to students' unawareness. Crucial information should not be hidden in emails or offices. To improve outreach, I will organize workshops, collaborative events, and outreach initiatives that bridge the gap between students, ASG, and faculty.
Ultimately, my goal is to ensure students feel connected and supported.
Running for Vice President.
Great day, my name is Nina Rose Hawthorne. Electing me as your Vice President of ASG will mean fairness, diversity, and equality for all students! I love Saddleback College’ and plan on taking our students to another level of excellence. First and foremost the president and I will make sure that every single student at Saddleback is heard. Secondly, making sure that even Casper the Friendly ghost will be seen on our campus. We recognized and build MVP’s as well currently. This opportunity is a teaching moment for you & I both. I’m looking forward to assisting every student in achieving their educational and financial goals.
Running for Director of Academic Affairs.
I want to run for Director of Academic Affairs because I care about creating a positive, supportive environment where students feel motivated and confident in their education. School can be stressful, and I want to help make academics feel encouraging instead of overwhelming. I believe everyone deserves to feel supported and heard when it comes to their learning. As someone who values responsibility and organization, I would work hard to make sure students have the resources and communication they need to succeed. I want to help build a culture where academic success is celebrated and where every student feels capable of reaching their goals.
Running for Senator of the Honors Student Council.
I am running for the position of Senator for the Honors Student Council of Saddleback College because I believe I have the ability to help create and foster an environment where students feel informed, confident, and prepared for long-term success. My primary goal as Senator of HSC is to advocate for the Honors Program by expanding engagement to more students and increasing access to several academic research experiences and professional development opportunities. Increasing transfer rates has always been, and will continue to be, the core objective of the Honors Program, and I will ensure that students are supported with resources and guidance in order to achieve this goal. In addition, I also have the initiative of pushing students beyond their comfort zones, as education should not only serve to prepare us for exams, but also for life beyond college. As Senator, I will work diligently with faculty, administration, and our fellow students to cultivate a community of scholars. What I bring to the table is a strong work ethic, listening abilities, and a genuine purpose to uplift my peers. I will ensure that every student at Saddleback College are knowledgeable about the many opportunities that will help them thrive academically and professionally.
Running for Senator of Campus Sustainability Council.
Hello, Bobcats! My name is Jon MacKay, and I am running to be your Senator of Sustainability. I may be a new face to ASG, but I firmly believe I am the most qualified candidate for this role, and I will do everything in my power to help you!
As Senator of Sustainability, my intentions are threefold:
Promote Awareness of and Solutions to Campus Sustainability Issues. As senator, I will raise awareness of the Campus Sustainability challenges our campus faces. I will also increase awareness of the solutions I and ASG are pursuing, and what you can do to help.
Promote Connection between the Student Body and ASG. As senator, I will ensure that ASG is transparent and accessible to you. I will ensure that your voice is heard, and that ASG is an agent and representative of you.
Ensure a Sustainable and Smart Future for Saddleback College. As senator, I will ensure Saddleback’s amazing opportunities will continue to exist and improve, and that we as a college can develop and enact reasonable, long-term plans for our future!
Thank you for giving me a chance. Let’s build a better tomorrow together!
Running for Director of External Affairs.
Hi everyone! I am committed to ensuring that student voices are truly heard and reflected in meaningful action. Serving as ASG Officer of External Affairs and President of the Iranian American Society has strengthened my ability to advocate for students, build community partnerships, and promote equity and representation. I would be honored to serve as Director of External Affairs and continue working toward positive, student-driven change across our campus.
Running for Senator of Campus Life & Events Council.
I am running for Senator of Campus Life and Events because I have already seen what intentional, proactive event planning can do to transform our campus. As the current Officer of Sports and Spirit, I have organized two football tailgates with over 176 attendees, one basketball tailgate, and am currently planning a Mock South Asian Wedding this spring. These events showed me that community college can be more than just a place to take classes, it can be a place where students genuinely connect and make lasting memories.
As Senator, I want to build on this momentum by creating events that are inclusive and reflective of our diverse student body. I plan to work closely with student organizations to expand campus traditions, introduce culturally representative programming, and increase student turnout across all events.
I bring experience and a follow-through mindset. If elected, I am committed to making next year one of the most exciting and community-driven years our campus has seen.
Running for Senator of Campus Life & Events Council.
Hey! I’m Hanna and I aim to bring a more diverse, nurturing, and fun campus to the entire student body! I’ve spent this past year as an events facilitator for campus events so I feel well equipped to conquer this position. I’d be very collaborative and work to add events that the student body is interested in by conversing with my peers and by running polls with a vote offering different types of events. I will also work very hard to make sure every event is inclusive and accessible for all students. Let me make a more exciting campus for everyone!
Running for Chief Justice.
Hi! My name is Nola and I am running for Chief Justice because I want to make sure Saddleback ASG is running based on accountability and fairness.
This previous school year I was the Director of Publicity and Public Relations and through this position I was able to learn the importance of listening to each other and providing equal opportunities for each member. I believe this same concept can be applied for students as well.
As Chief Justice, I want to be able to fill this role with not just integrity but also empathy as well. My main goal this past year was to make ASG feel like a community; not just for me but for my peers as well. I want to make sure this next upcoming year other students can also find their community within ASG and to make this community one that operates in a way that students can trust leadership positions and each other. If appointed I will make sure that our system runs transparently through professionalism, honesty, and without bias.
Running for Senator at Large.
Hello, I’m Christopher Pelayo-Ayala, and I am running for senator at large. I have been here at Saddleback for almost 2 years, meaning that I know this place really well. I am good at communication as I am the head of communication in Saddleback’s MUN club. As a senator at large I will do my best to make sure that the feelings of students are taken into consideration into our student government. I am majoring in Political Science and wish to enter politics in the future.
Running for Senator at Large.
As an architecture student, I personally get how important thoughtful design can be in creating spaces for students to be able to learn, collaborate, and grow. If elected Senator at Large, I will advocate for impactful campus projects that benefit the student body. I am focused on creating more opportunities for architecture students to actively participate in real campus initiatives while contributing meaningful improvements to our school. By allowing students to gain experience through real projects, we can strengthen both our portfolios and campus community. I would like to create more safe, inclusive spaces where every student feels welcomed, supported, and heard. Together, we can design a campus that reflects our creativity, diversity, and shared vision for a better future.
Running for Senator at Large.
My name is Shahab Touski, and I am running for Senator at Large. When I’m not on campus, you can usually find me at local car meets, hitting the slopes for some skiing, or playing tennis. I also enjoy playing the piano.
As an Electrical Engineering major and current ASG Webmaster, I have witnessed how our STEM departments are often constrained by limitations in support and industry visibility despite their immense potential. I am running for Senator at Large to bridge these gaps and ensure our technical community has the resources necessary to thrive. However, my dedication extends far beyond a single department because I believe that elevating our STEM standards raises the academic bar for our entire campus. By fostering a more innovative environment, we create a more competitive college for every student, regardless of their major.
I intend to bring an engineer’s analytical, solution-oriented mindset to the ASG to tackle broader campus issues with precision and efficiency. My goal is to move beyond departmental boundaries and apply systemic problem-solving to improve the student experience for everyone. By integrating technical foresight with dedicated advocacy, I will help build a more resourceful Saddleback College where every student has equal opportunity.
Running for Senator at Large.
I am Cleru, and I am running for a Senator-at-Large position in our student government. I came to Saddleback in the fall of 2024 after having dropped out of IVC in 2022 with a GPA as low as 1.7. I now stand before you with a 4.0 GPA, double majoring in Informatics and Theater Arts. As Senator-at-Large, I will have the power and, most importantly, the responsibility to create a Resources Committee to ensure that students are not only aware of the resources available, but also understand how to use them. Saddleback has provided me with every resource I need to succeed in my education, and I want to share that with every single student. I am Cleru, I truly love this college, and I would be privileged to earn your vote for Senator-at-Large.And if you somehow aren’t sick of me yet, I also serve as a Computer Science tutor, and I will be performing this April in Saddleback’s production of Macbeth.
ASG 2026-2027 Elections Timeline
Click the drop-down menu to view all important dates for the current 26-27 ASG Elections.
Information Sessions
Candidates may attend one or both Information Sessions.
Attending Information Sessions is OPTIONAL but encouraged.
January 26, 2026 from 1:00-2:00 PM ➞ Google Meet
February 2, 2026 from 1:00-2:00 PM ➞ Google Meet
Candidate Meetings
Candidates must attend at least one Candidate Meeting.
Attending at least one Candidate Meeting is REQUIRED to run.
February 6, 2026 from 12:00-1:00PM ➞ Google Meet
February 9, 2026 from 3:30-4:30PM ➞ CC 212 (will be streamed via Google Meet)
Intent to Run Form closes ➞ February 9, 2026
Campaigning ➞ February 10 - February 26, 2026
Meet Your Candidates Event
Refreshments provided by the Student Life Office.
Candidates are not allowed to provide food as this violates the election code rules pertaining to exchanging food for votes.
February 23, 2026 from 11:00-1:00PM ➞ CC Quad
Elections/Voting ➞ February 24 - February 26, 2026
All Saddleback College students will recieve a ballot sent to their Saddleback College email addresses.
Results Posted ➞ February 27, 2026
Transition of Power ➞ April 27, 2026
Intent to run form CLOSED on February 9, 2026.
Candidates are allowed 50 free colored flyers printed from the Stu Dev office.
Report violations within 48 hours between 1/16-2/26.
Open Positions
The following positions are voted in by the Saddleback College student body. Positions not listed below are appointed by the elected leadership team.
President & Vice President
Senator for Honors Student Council
Senator for Veterans Student Council
Senator of Campus Sustainability Council
Senator of Campus Life and Events Council
Senator of International Students & Diversity Council
Senator at Large (3 positions available)
Director of External Affairs
Director of Academic Affairs
Chief Justice
Student Trustee (SOCCCD Board of Trustees) Elections
The Student Trustee represents Saddleback College and Irvine Valley College students at the South Orange County Community College District (SOCCCD) Board of Trustees. This position rotates between Saddleback College and Irvine Valley College each year. For this election cycle, it is Irvine Valley College’s turn to have an IVC student elected as Student Trustee.
Students from both Saddleback College and Irvine Valley College vote on the candidates who will appear on ballots sent to students. For more information on the Student Trustee role and election process, students may reference BP/AR 2015 and BP/AR 2105.
Questions? Please refer to the Bylaws information regarding the Elections Code and Position Descriptions.
Questions? Please refer to the Saddleback College Student Handbook.
For additional questions, please contact:
Student Life Office, Saddleback College | scstudentdevelopment@saddleback.edu | (949) 582-4616
Elise Ho, ASG Vice President | tulaneliseh@gmail.com