Scenes, quotes from the Student Association executive debate

Ivy Rose Ball, Editor-in-Chief

February 16, 2026

Students watch the debate from the audience in Taylor Auditorium Thursday night.

On Feb. 12, the Reflector hosted the 2026 Student Association Executive Candidate Debate. Candidates for Student Association treasurer, secretary, vice president and president were asked both pre-written and audience-submitted questions. Voting for these positions, along with several senate seats, will take place on Tuesday on Cowbell Connect.

Audience members were able to submit questions before and during the debate.

Submit questions for Thursday’s Student Association Executive Debate

Below is a recording of the full debate, with time stamps available in the description.

Student Association Executive Election updates

Figueroa, Spreen elected Student Association president, vice president

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Photos from active campaigning Tuesday morning

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“I think all students deserve access to funds, especially for clubs that bring people together and make people seen.”

Treasurer candidate Peyton Willoughby

Treasurer candidate Peyton Willoughby listens as moderator Kate Myers asks a question. (Noah McCord)

“To me, progress is about creating a closer and stronger student association so that we can stand as a united front and serve our student body, making our students feel like they can trust the people that they elected.”

Treasurer candidate Cape Merrell

Treasurer candidate Cape Merrell speaks during the debate. (Noah McCord)

“Mississippi State deserves leaders who show up, do the work, and serve the students, not themselves. I’m ready to continue serving this university.”

Secretary candidate Torie Keenum

Sole secretary candidate Torie Keenum gives her opening statement during the debate. (Noah McCord)

“This campaign is not about me, it’s not about Kyla. It’s about you. It’s about us. It’s about building the school community where everyone feels connected, supported and proud to belong. An inclusive student body starts with an inclusive Student Association.”

Vice presidential candidate Sydney Broderick

Vice presidential candidate Sydney Broderick outlines the main platforms of her and her running mate, presidential candidate Kyla Hunter. (Noah McCord)

“Anyone can stand up here and talk about ideas, but what truly matters is who will listen after the election is over, who will answer your call, who will put in the work when no one is watching? That’s the kind of vice president I promise to be.”

Vice presidential candidate Abigail Spreen

Vice presidential candidate Abigail Spreen, who is running alongside Keegan Figueroa, responds to questions during the debate. (Noah McCord)

“I believe in a Mississippi State where opportunity reaches every corner of campus, where community is stronger than conflict, where the next direction of Bulldogs is inspired to succeed long after we’re gone.”

Presidential candidate Keegan Figueroa

Presidential candidate Keegan Figueroa responds to questions about the position during the debate. (Noah McCord)

“I am running for Student Association president because I believe students deserve leadership that is accessible, transparent and present, leadership that students can call on, trust and rely on.”

Presidential candidate Kyla Hunter

Presidential candidate Kyla Hunter responds to questions about the position during the debate. (Noah McCord)

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