Bill Edwards and Randall Lloyd were relieved, grateful and screaming when they found out they won the election.
The two leaders of the Impact Party were mobbed by supporters when Josh Walker, elections registrar, read the numbers. The Impact Party received 1,350 votes and Elevation earned 1,294. Amidst giddy screaming from the confused Elevation camp, Impact realized they had won by 56 votes.
Although Edwards and Lloyd were surrounded by jubilant supporters after the votes were announced, they both spoke with Elevation leaders before enjoying the music of Queen’s “We are the Champions.”
Between hugs and congratulations from candidates and campaign workers, Lloyd found it hard to find the words to express himself.
“I’m numb,” he said.
Edwards, who expressed “so much anxiety” just before the votes were read, said it felt “great” to win the election.
“All that hard work has paid off,” he said. Edwards said he had no idea he would win, and was worried when Walker began to read the winners of the Student Senate and General Assembly races.
“I did not know what to think,” he said. “They kept reading Elevation. It was an emotional roller coaster.”
Lloyd expressed gratitude and appreciation to all the students who supported Impact.
“It’s such an accomplishment to beat AnnMarie [Allen, Elevation presidential candidate] and Colter [Hammer, Elevation vice presidential candidate],” he said. “They really know what they’re doing.”
Although Lloyd was still in shock from winning, he said he was looking forward to taking office.
“We’re excited,” he said. “It’s a huge responsibility, but we’re up to it. It hasn’t hit me yet.”
Jessica Judkins, Impact senior class president candidate, also won her race with 443 votes, 32 votes more than her opponent Matt Menlove received.
“It’s exciting,” she said. “I’m excited to get some people to work with me.”
Edwards and Lloyd plan to meet with Ben Lowe and Mike Nelson, the outgoing ASUU president and vice president, this morning at 8:30 to begin the transition.
“We’re going to get to work,” Edwards said. “We’re going to start off on that note.”
“[Edwards and Lloyd] are both very impressive,” Lowe said. “Hopefully they can take it to the next level.”