MJ Childs will be the George Washington University’s next Student Government Association president after an election he won with more than 57% of the vote, according to results released Saturday.
Childs described the moment of victory as surreal.
“It is an indescribable feeling. Overjoyed is the best way I could put it,” Childs said. “GW has given me a lot of love and support, and I am ready to give back.”
Childs, a creative writing and marketing major from Philadelphia, built his platform around inclusivity, empathy and affordability. “This year’s budget cuts and rollback of student resources really centered my platform,” Childs said. “I hope to restore those services and foster more community and equity within GW.”
A total of 2,805 votes were cast, up nearly 300 from 2025.
Childs’ fellow sophomore, Aicha Sy, won a tighter race, securing 52.61% of the vote for the SGA vice presidency.
After weeks filled with anxiety and anticipation, Sy, a DMV native, described the moment she found out she won the election as thrilling.
“I am so incredibly thankful to all the people who voted for me and put their trust in me to make GW a better place,” she said.
Sy is the first Black woman to be elected SGA vice president and, at 18, the youngest to ever hold the position.
The political science major is no stranger to the SGA. She has served as a first-year assistant and senator. Her experience shaped her platform, as she hopes to tackle structural reform within the organization itself, ultimately fostering a more inclusive, connected campus community.
“Serving as a senator this year really allowed me to see that we need more accessibility and connection to the general student body,” Sy said. “I want to mend the relationship between SGA and the student body and make all of our students feel closer to our university and what it has to offer.”
Beyond the classroom, Sy started her own nonprofit, Youth Unbound, in D.C. that aims at exposing fourth and fifth graders to higher education and career paths. She said the experience showed her the profound impact college can have on students and ultimately motivated her to run for vice president.
Outgoing SGA president Ethan Lynne said he is “over the moon” for Childs and Sy. “This past year has been the most rewarding of my life, and I’ve been so honored to play a role in delivering real changes for students, from securing graduate housing to slashing venue costs for student organizations.”
“I know they will bring an immense spirit of determination and passion into their positions,” Lynne said. “I look forward to seeing all they accomplish.”
The sophomores will assume their SGA roles at the end of the academic year.
“Community engagement, fostering inclusivity and advocacy have always been passions of mine,” Childs said. “I’m so excited to bring that to GW.”
