On April 17, four ASI presidential candidates shared their platforms and views on student issues during the 2025 ASI Presidential Debate, held on the University Union stage.
The election voting period will open on April 22 at 8 a.m. and close April 24 at 8 a.m. Election results will be announced on the University Union stage at noon on April 24. Students can vote on the Cal Poly Portal or the ASI website. The ballot will feature both presidential and Board of Directors candidates.
The four presidential candidates — Colin Shea, Reagan Denny, Marc Cabeliza and Alexis Espinoza — were moderated by Mustang Media Group Editor-in-Chief Amelia Wu and ASI Secretary of Civic Engagement Maya McClain. The debate was livestreamed on Mustang News’ YouTube channel.
Candidates addressed several student-focused issues, such as St. Patrick’s Day, DEI initiatives and major campus changes such as the Cal Maritime integration and semester transition.
St. Patrick’s Day
Shea emphasized his work on ASI’s Student Community Liaison Committee and the planning of St. Patrick’s Day events during winter quarter. He said he plans to protect and expand these solutions as ASI president.
Denny also intends to continue on-campus St. Patrick’s Day activities, emphasizing the importance of having fun while maintaining good relations with the rest of the local community.
“If I was elected ASI president, we would do St. Patrick’s Day again,” Denny said. “You deserve the opportunity to let off some steam. You just need to really not mess with local citizens’ lawns because that’s really all they care about.”
Cabeliza and Espinoza did not directly address St. Patrick’s Day. Cabeliza said he intends to improve student relations and bridge the gap with the local community. Espinoza plans to increase on-campus events to create a more connected student body.
Dei efforts
All four candidates expressed strong support for DEI initiatives when asked about their plans to incorporate DEI efforts in ASI.
Denny highlighted her work writing new policy safeguarding ASI Dreamer & Indigenous People’s Scholarships for future students.
“DEI is one of the listed core values of ASI,” Denny said. “If we are going to stand on the values that we say we believe in, then we have to stand not only when it’s easy, but also when it is hard.”
Espinoza cited his current experience as an intern with the Office of University Diversity and Inclusion.
“I will make sure that every student here on campus feels seen, heard, valued and has a sustainable future,” Espinoza said.
Shea said he plans to recruit a cabinet representative of Cal Poly’s student body and believes DEI is not just a value, but a commitment to action.
Cabeliza pointed to his past work hearing student needs, like adding massage chairs in the Cal Poly Recreation Center and free menstrual products in the University Union. He said he plans to continue listening to and acting on student needs.
University-wide transitions
All candidates expressed their determination to make major campus transitions, such as the Cal Maritime integration and semester transition, as transparent for students as possible.
Cabeliza said he wants to make current students feel prioritized, and not ignored, amidst these changes.
Espinoza proposed an advisory board to create trust between ASI and the student body during these transitions.
Denny sees both changes as opportunities to improve curriculum. She said she wants to ensure students’ voices are heard by holding town halls with President Jeffrey Armstrong.
Shea said he has taken note of student concerns about the future of their student fees. He said his focus is to ensure students feel heard.
“It’s important to support both campuses,” Shea said. “But it’s important to make sure that our fees are going to the students in the place they’re paying for them.”
To close, candidates were asked their future plans if they weren’t elected. All candidates expressed their confidence in their fellow candidates’ leadership abilities.
“If I were to lose this election, I hope you know, I will still continue to do the work I am doing,” Cabeliza said. “You do not need a title to represent students. No matter what happens, I will be fighting for students.”
Seth Pintar contributed to this story