Voting for Student Government began Monday, April 14, launching the 2025 campaigning, JJ Ostenson is running unopposed for Ace Coordinator. As Ace Coordinator, Ostenson would be responsible for election and event coordination. Ostenson is a first year History Major with a teaching licensure from Edgemont, SD. 

He found himself at SMSU because he wanted to see more than his hometown and more of the Midwest. He said, “I’ve always loved Minnesota and the people here. I thought it was a great place to come to school.” An added benefit is the opportunity to grow as an individual while still being close to his family.  

His qualifications for the position are his heavy involvement with clubs in high school and at SMSU. “I had to organize a lot to try and make sure the clubs were up to snuff with others in the area.” Ostenson said.  

His goals and plans to get votes are to listen to the students on campus indiscriminately. “I plan on getting elected by giving the students what they are promised. I won’t try and be fake to get votes. What you see is what you get,” Ostenson said. 

The thing that pushes Ostenson to run for Ace Coordinator is involvement in something bigger than himself: “Government-based issues are something I’m really passionate about. This was a great first step to getting my foot in the door for student government and beyond.”  

Ostenson stated that, even though he is hard-working and driven, he is still friendly and down-to-earth. He said, “While I’m not running against anyone, people should know I have everyone’s good thoughts at heart. I want people to know I’m an amazing candidate who wants to bring everyone together as Mustangs.”  

The election runs from April 14 to 18. Vote here.