VGS Elections
Governor
Aser Moltashy
Reynolds Community College
I am running for governor because the Commonwealth deserves the kind of leadership that I bring to the table: leadership that defies all odds and pushes past them. Leadership that focuses on ethics, not just politics. Leadership that makes results, not headlines. Vote for me, and I will make the impossible, inevitable.
Ali Thomas
Brightpoint Community College
I’m running for Governor of VGS because I want to make a real, tangible difference in the lives of Virginians by focusing government on what actually serves people, not what controls them. I believe in protecting personal freedom while strengthening the foundations that let communities thrive in the first place. As your Governor, I will work tirelessly to restore the common good to the common people.
Lieutenant Governor
Shakylia Jones
Old Dominion University
I want to run for this position because I care deeply about the people of our state, who speak up for what they deserve. I also care deeply about the delegates and senators that work tirelessly to ensure function in our society. Leadership is not a one person job, it is a job that requires someone who will take initiative and help those working around them. I believe in the power of connection that I work to use with all of you. I don’t want to be a commander; I want to be a shoulder to lean on and a listening ear.
Attorney General
Bryson Moran
Old Dominion University
I had the honor of voting to establish the Office of the Attorney General last year, and serve as the inaugural Deputy Attorney General to Jackson Mallory. With this experience I believe I could continue to lead as Attorney General ensuring a fair election process and bill filing.
Speaker of the House
Claudia Booher
Radford University
Speaker of the House is an important job. I'm running because I want to get as involved in the legislative process as I can. As speaker, I will do my best to ensure that the House of Delegates interests and goals are advocated for with the Senate, and the Governor. I will work closely with the Senate and Governor to ensure that House bills make it past Senate crossover and are signed into law. I intend to treat everyone with respect and ensure that others are treated respectfully while the house is in session.
Aser Moltashy
Reynolds Community College
At Reynolds, club officer meetings used to be long, cumbersome, and, frankly, unproductive. Learning from my mistakes, I immersed myself in Robert's Rules. For the first time in years, the SGA was able to get through a full agenda on time consistently and, under my leadership, became one of the most active SGAs Reynolds has had since COVID. This is the leadership that's fit for the Speaker of the House: leadership that can adapt. Leadership that focuses on efficiency. Leadership that Virginia deserves.
Senate Majority Leader
Sullivan Manley
Radford University
I am running to be a strong advocate for all Virginians and to work with everyone to make the Commonwealth a better place. I will always be willing to work with others, but I will also stand firm when it comes to supporting our communities and constituents. I am a proud Southwest Virginian and would bring that perspective to the table. Coming from one of the most often forgotten regions of our state has inspired me to make sure that no community or person feels forgotten or overlooked.
Senate Minority Leader
Jakob Genest
Radford University
I had the privilege of serving on the Republican leadership team in 2025 as our only committee chair. This leadership opportunity gave me the knowledge to coordinate and work within and outside the party. I also helped Democratic and Republican leadership plan and coordinate with each other to ensure essential functions were carried out. I believe we must do our best to respect and hear everyone's beliefs, as ultimately all of us want what is best for the Commonwealth and its residents.
Will Lauterbach
Virginia Commonwealth University
As a math student, I value fairness, organization, and problem-solving, and I aim to bring those principles into the session as Minority Leader. As such, my legislative goals during the session are solely to ensure and maintain VGS as an institution while also guaranteeing that the Republican Party has an equal voice in VGS's future. As Minority Leader, I will strive to uphold my ideals of leadership and maintain an orderly, professional, and effective Republican caucus.
Senate Minority Whip
Peter Ohlerich
Christopher Newport University
Last year's Virginia Government Simulation was an impactful experience, and coming into this year, I knew I wanted to be more than just a delegate or senator. During each vote, our whole party must be on the same page since we have a small disadvantage. If I am voted as the Minority Whip, I will do my part in making sure the party leadership has proper communication with all representatives so that we can achieve the best outcome during this year's session.
House Majority Leader
Kyle Murray
Radford University
I feel deeply that I have lots of good experience from my time as a senator for Radford’s Student Government Association, or when I took part in the 2024 Virginia Boys State Simulation. I also believe that as the son of a retired Coast Guard Lieutenant and an active public school teacher, I have a unique perspective and lots of insight into things that is good for a leader.
House Minority Leader
John Lindberg IV
Old Dominion University
I am running for Minority Leader because I want to make an impact on VGS. In the last simulation, many people were forced to play in the minority party, and they didn’t feel included. I want to change that because last year some people did it great and learned about the other side of the aisle and that is what this simulation is about. Getting people to be more civically engaged and that is what I will strive for as Minority Leader.