On Friday, Feb. 6 at 7 p.m., Lilly Pool was named the 2026 vice president of the Student Government Association.
The crowd cheered for Pool’s victory, as Pool was left with “no words” after her name was announced. Making her way up the steps of Cater Hall, Pool was greeted by her supporters, fellow major candidate winners and outgoing leadership, including former SGA Vice President Buckley Nettles.
Nettles described the end of her term as “bittersweet.” Nettles and Pool previously served together as SGA senators, and Nettles is “really proud of her [Pool] and excited to see what she does this year.”
When asked what she has taken away from her time as vice president, Nettles explained the importance of connection across campus.
“Relationships really can get a lot of things done, especially at Auburn," Nettles said. "Relationships are the foundation of everything that happens here, from our relationships with exec to our advisors to administrators on campus.”
Pool, who previously served as an at-large senator, focused her platform, "Dive in with Pool," on embracing, engaging and empowering Auburn students. One of the first moments that Pool is looking forward to as the new SGA vice president is getting to know the new senators in the upcoming weeks.
After three-days of campaigning around campus, Pool’s win felt “like the excitement of a lifetime.”
“I feel like it comes down to standing at Cater. That's just like Auburn tradition, the Auburn way and the Auburn Family, and standing here with everyone is just everything,” Pool said when asked what the honor means to her.
Pool won 4,064 votes at 51.78%. Her opponent Colin Hale received 3,784 votes at 48.22%, losing by 280 votes or 3.56%.
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Jennifer Santiago, sophomore double majoring in political science and history, currently serves as the Newsletter Editor for The Auburn Plainsman. Since joining The Plainsman in the fall of 2024, she has previously served as a news writer and the Lifestyle Editor.
