Senate Elects New Chair at Final Meeting

By Lucienne Burns | May 4, 2026

Senator Alana Borrero (left) and Chair-Elect Jaden Burke (right) shaking hands after the election. Photo Credit: Lucienne Burns / The ASP

The Student Association (SA) Senate elected a new Senate Chair for the 2026-2027 academic year at its final meeting last week. 

The election marked the conclusion of the chairship of Troy Serao, who presided over the senate last week for the final time. He thanked the senate for their work together and offered some advice moving forward. 

“Together, we have done a lot this year. We have re-emphasized our committees, increased outreach tenfold, partnered with boards, done new events and redone our bylaws, entirely to protect our students and to better function,” Serao said. “I’m proud of that work that I’ve been able to accomplish with all of you, even though we might disagree now and then, I truly believe that we are all here for the right reasons — to help the students.” 

The election process began with a nomination period, where senators Alana Borrero and Jaden Burke were both nominated to run for the position. Following the acceptance of their nominations, both candidates had the chance to deliver an opening statement and then partake in a round of questioning from senators. 

Both senators chaired different committees throughout the year, with Borrero chairing the First Year Experience and Innovation (FYEI) Committee and Burke chairing the Rules and Administration Committee. 

“I want to stand on three things, which are: recognition, transparency, implementing and educating about the new governing documents, as well as accountability,” Burke said in her opening statement. “I want to do this for one reason only — we’re all here for the constituents, I think we often lose track of that." 

Senator Borrero expressed similar objectives such as accountability and transparency during her opening remarks. 

“I’ve centered a lot of my work this year collaborating and meeting with students, trying to bridge that gap of how we can figure out how to reach students, as well as the mistrust between the Student Association,” Borrero said.

During the questioning period, different senators asked questions related to new bylaws.  

“With [senate next year] being more committee focused, my goal and something I will do is be there for the committees and committee chairs to ensure that they are on track,” Senator Borrero answered. 

Senator Burke explained structural changes coming to the senate in the fall and how they are going to help the senate better function and stay in compliance with New York State 501(c)(3) law.

“We want to ensure the legality of what’s going on," Senator Burke said. “While the committees are going to be more focused, they will be ensuring that we’re helping our constituents and not just ourselves.” 

After the round of questions, candidates are required to leave the room and not take their phones with them while senators enter into debate before a vote takes place.

After one round of voting, the Elections Commission came in to announce the results. Senator Burke received a two-thirds majority of 23 votes and won the election. 

“I want to thank all of you guys for your continued support,” Burke said in closing. “I’m excited to be at the forefront of this issue, as well as the governing documents, and working with you one on one and as a team.”