MIG Journal, Friday Morning Edition

Senate

Democrat:

Majority Leader: Rafael Manzo Jr (Purdue University Northwest)

Assistant Majority Leader: Isaiah Gauwitz (University of Illinois Springfield)

Whip: Eraina Green (Governors State University)

Whip: Marques Robinson (Lincoln Land Community College)

Whip: Rachel McClerren (John A. Logan College)

Republican:

Minority Leader: Sean O’Brien (Governors State University)

Assistant Minority Leader: Henry Meinert (Rend Lake College)

Whip: Jayden Vazquez (Triton College)

Whip: Christopher Biederstedt (Governors State University)

Whip: Cameron Ryan (Northern Illinois University)

House

Democrat:

Majority Leader: John Slater (Eastern Illinois University)

Assistant Majority Leader: Megan Fox (Eastern Illinois University)

Whip: Katarina Maxson (Eastern Illinois University)

Whip: Mason Tegeler (Eastern Illinois University)

Whip: Owen Harrison (Prairie State College)

Republican:

Minority Leader: Troy Robinson (John A. Logan College)

Assistant Minority Leader: Andrew Reed (University of Illinois Springfield)

Whip: Aidan Mcgovern (Northern Illinois University)

Whip: Zachary Luhman (Western Illinois University)

Whip: Shane Richardson-Veil (McKendree University)

“I Want to See a Real Change Here”: Senate Democrats Elect Leadership

By Juana Sanchez Castillo

Majority leader, assistant leader and all three whips were elected in party caucus after brief introductory speeches and elections, creating a complete leadership team.

Sen. Rafael Manzo Jr. was elected Senate Democratic majority leader. In his speech prior to the election results, Manzo said he believes in making Model Illinois Government a “fun and realistic experience” for everyone.

“I want to see a real change here,” Manzo said.

Democratic Sen. Isaiah Gauwitz was elected assistant leader. In his 60-second speech before the election, Gauwitz said he believes in working “with you, not over you,” and being open to a variety of perspectives while working alongside leadership.

Of the 10 senators nominated to become whips, Sens. Eraina Green, Marques Robinson and Rachel McClerren were elected. Green noted that her “heart is deeply blue” for the Democratic Party, and Robinson and McClerren echoed similar sentiments

about a willingness to work with one another.

The position of whip received the most nominations, with 10 senators seeking the role. Meanwhile, five senators were nominated for both majority leader and assistant leader. A few senators who did not receive a majority vote were nominated for more than one position.

Ready to Start the Time Running

By Alex Dolgin

Minority Leader Sean O’Brien, Governors State University

After more than an hour together, the 18 Republican senators elected their minority leader, assistant minority leader and three whips.

Sean O’Brien was elected Republican minority leader. He ran on ensuring Republicans have adequate speaking time during debates, that prepared Republicans with strong arguments are given time to be heard, and that gun and religious rights are respected.

“Everybody's pretty charged, everybody's pretty divided,” O’Brien said in an interview. “And I would like to be a middle ground where we can collaborate with the majority party. I think we both need each other, and we need each other to get things done that’s going to help our constituents.”

Republican Sen. Henry Meinert, the newly appointed assistant minority leader, emphasized his leadership experience outside of MIG while keeping his speech brief.

Asked about challenges he may face, Republican whip Sen. Cameron Ryan said the party’s minority status will not deter him.

“Well, we're in the minority. We're down in numbers, but I won't let that stop me,” Ryan said. “I believe that we need to fight for Republican ideals regardless of how many seats we have.”

Ryan secured support by highlighting his past MIG experience and his support for fellow senators.

Sen. Jayden Vazquez and Christopher Biederstedt were also appointed whips. Biederstedt said he wants to ensure both parties spend time discussing background issues during bill debates. Vasquez said his goal is to make sure religion, Second Amendment rights and constituents are represented.

“I felt like we're amply prepared to debate the bills and make sure that our constituents back home see that we're actively engaging and actively listening to them,” Republican Sen. William Fulth (Governors State University) said after the meeting. “So that every bill, regardless if it passes or fails, keeps them in mind.”

“We’re Here to Beat the Republicans”: House Democrats Yeehaw to Election Picks

By Gabriel Gurrola

House Democrats elected their majority leader, assistant majority leader and three whips in a highly contested election led by House Speaker Lucas Schilling (University of Illinois Springfield)

John Slater won the race for majority leader against runner-up Owen Harrison. Slater reminded colleagues of his experience, noting this is his third MIG.

The race for majority leader proved the most competitive, lasting six rounds of voting. One round ended in a tie and another in a deadlock.

“A vote for me is wrapping under the covers and going to bed,” Harrison said, drawing laughs.

Megan Fox was elected assistant majority leader. She argued the role is among the most important within MIG.

Ten Democrats ran for whip, with Harrison, Mason Tegeler and Katarina Maxson elected. Harrison, who ran for all three leadership positions, addressed colleagues several times and joked about his repeated speeches.

“Everything I said previously applies to now,” Harrison said. “I am a good talker.”

Upon his election, Tegeler said he was eager to represent the Democratic Party.

“I’m very excited to go to work on behalf of the party,” Tegeler said. “I’m excited to go to work.”

Maxson echoed that enthusiasm.

“I’m just super excited to get to work,” Maxson said.

House Democrats yeehawed their way through the elections with flair, finesse and plenty of laughter.

A Record-Breaking Auctioneer

By Destiny Thomas

It felt like House Democrats had just attended their first auction. With the yee-haw attitude of Speaker of the House Lucas Schilling and the fast-paced environment, the session began with energy.

Their first meeting lasted more than 20 minutes, producing results drawn from a cowboy hat.

Their majority speaker, decided after six rounds of voting, was John Slate. He spoke three times to colleagues, each time emphasizing that “We are here to have fun & learn,” while also reminding them of his experience and readiness to address important topics.

The race for assistant majority leader was more straightforward, with Megan Fox selected to support the leader. She shared Slate’s belief that enjoying MIG is an important part of the simulation.

Ten Democrats ran for whip. Mason Tegeler was elected first after delivering a short message: “It’s not about me, it’s about you.” His 12-second speech proved effective as he became the first whip elected.

Next elected was Owen Harrison, who ran for all three positions and drew laughs from colleagues.

“Everything I said previously applies to now, I am a good talker,” Harrison said. “A vote for me is a vote to be wrapped up in your covers and going to bed.”

Last elected was Katarina Maxson, who said she would “do whatever I can to help the majority leader.”

The process included plenty of laughter as Democrats bonded during the record-breaking six rounds of voting for majority leader.

Honorable mentions included:

Gavin Estes (Millikin University) : “I believe this job requires someone who can drive each shared goal.”

Edgar Gomez: “The government should work for the people.” (Governors State University)

Republicans Rally Around Unity Amid Democratic Supermajority

By Allen Dekeyrel

Whip Shane Richardson-Veil, McKendree University

House Republicans face long odds as they attempt to pass legislation in the face of a Democratic supermajority.

Their voting period was far shorter than that of House Democrats, but party unity remained clear.

Republican Assistant Minority Leader Andrew Reed said unity will be key to the party’s strategy. “Our goal is to be a well-oiled machine that keeps debate as bipartisan as we can,” Reed said.

Minority Leader Troy Robinson echoed that approach. “We want to focus on bipartisan bills that Republicans support and work with Democrats where we can,” Robinson said.

Robinson brings experience from working on Capitol Hill, which made him a natural choice for the role.

Republicans acknowledge the challenge they face but say they are ready for the debate ahead. They plan to challenge Democrats on issues including transportation, energy and education while standing firm on their beliefs.