DaCosta Locatelli and Rene Win ASG Election

Laura DaCosta Locatelli ’27 (right) and Bella Rene ’27 (left) stand next to each other outside of SCDI. (Dylan Ryu/The Santa Clara)

Laura DaCosta Locatelli ’27 and Bella Rene ’27 have been elected Santa Clara University’s next Associated Student Government president and vice president, the ASG election committee announced Thursday morning, capping a high-profile election cycle marked by increased engagement and online tension.

Addison Warhank ’28 was also elected Senate chair alongside Ethan Pessoa Jinian ’29 and Emerson Strub ’29 as sophomore senators.

Current Vice President and election committee chair Sophia Standard ’26 said vote totals would not be released, citing concerns about student well-being amid reports of online harassment.

“I believe doing so would be detrimental to the well-being of the candidates involved,” Standard said, adding that releasing totals could “contribute further” to bullying on anonymous platforms.

Despite the contentious environment, DaCosta Locatelli said she and Rene are ready to represent the student body.

“It’s really exciting,” she said. “I’m really honored that people put this trust in Bella and I.” 

DaCosta Locatelli and Rene pointed to the competitive race as a turning point for ASG visibility, with more students expressing interest in joining.

“One byproduct of the past few weeks is that it gave ASG a lot more visibility,” DaCosta Locatelli said.

Rene emphasized accessibility and outreach as central to their administration.

“We want everyone who wants to help make the school a better place to join,” she said.

Addressing speculation that circulated during the campaign, DaCosta Locatelli said she is not related to former University President Paul Locatelli. 

She added that claims of nepotism were “a little frustrating” given the work put into the campaign. “It is frustrating to hear that people are diminishing that to some type of nepotism that doesn’t exist,” she said. “But it’s also pretty funny; it’s not weighing on me super heavy.”

Looking ahead, the pair said they aim to expand student participation and build initiatives that last beyond their term.

“We want to create,” Rene said, “a culture that lasts well beyond us.” 

Editor’s note: Additional coverage of the ASG election, including extended interviews with all candidates, forthcoming.