IU Student Government began the 2025-26 congressional term Monday, electing the speaker of Congress and inaugurating new representatives.
Leo Cavinder was elected speaker of Congress after serving as congressional recorder last term. He received 20 votes for speaker, beating Adrian Fisher, who received 14 votes, and Noah Thompson who received two votes. Five representatives voted present. Representatives who abstain to vote, vote present.
Cavinder represents the College of Arts and Sciences and is the longest-serving member of Congress, serving since July 2023.
The speaker of Congress presides over Congress meetings and is responsible for ensuring meetings are held in accordance with the governing body’s bylaws.
In his first speech as speaker succeeding former speaker Ryan Gray, Cavinder said he would build on the work of his predecessors and the legacy of IUSG.
“Every bill we debate, every vote we cast, every conversation we have, should be in service with students we represent,” he said. “And I am excited about what we will accomplish to start.”
Eric Cannon was elected recorder of Congress. Cannon received 18 out of the 41 votes cast. Luke Carman received 17 votes and Thompson received three votes. Three representatives voted present. Cannon represents the off-campus housing district and served as parliamentarian of Congress last term.
The recorder is responsible for overseeing congressional records and ensuring public access to congressional documents.
Fatime Djour was re-elected press secretary for Congress. She ran for the position uncontested and received 38 votes. Three voted present. Djour represents the off-campus housing district.
The press secretary manages the Congress website, external communications and co-manages the IUSG Instagram account.
Carman was elected parliamentarian of Congress, running uncontested. He received 40 of 41 votes cast. One voted present. Carman represents the university division.
The parliamentarian provides guidance on procedures and advises the speaker on fair application of rules.
Twenty-three new representatives of Congress elected last month were also inaugurated.
Editor’s note: Eric Cannon is currently on staff at the IDS. That writer was not involved in the writing or editing of this story.
