A third political party will come into play in the Fall UF Student Government election cycle.
Liberal Arts and Sciences Sen. Chris Boyett broke away from the Access Party to start the Impact Party, which he said is focused on bringing together both parties to achieve a common goal.
The party is currently made up of two Swamp Party members — District A Sen. Susan Webster and former Director of External Affairs Blake Murphy — and two Access Party senators — Liberal Arts and Sciences Sens. Saneh Ste. Claire and Boyett.
Boyett said he registered the third party because he wants to overcome gridlock in the Senate chambers, such as the approval of 13 agency department heads in the executive branch.
After the first seven department heads were approved at the April 21 Senate meeting, it took the executive committee — which consists of three Swamp and three Access Party members — 105 days to compromise and bring a second set of nominees to the Senate floor. The final six were approved Aug. 4.
"I don’t think the students deserve that," Boyett said. "I think they deserve much better."
While minority party leader Michael Christ (Access, Graduate) said it’s unfortunate one of his members abandoned ship, the Access Party is still determined to accomplish its goals.
"We’re going to continue to run on our message of expanding Student Government to be for every Gator," Christ said.
Majority Swamp Party leader Sen. Charlie Brown Jr. could not be reached for comment as of press time.
Boyett said he is confident students will be interested in slating with the party come Fall elections.
"We want results, and we want students to be happy," he said.
Contact Ariana Figueroa at afigueroa@alligator.org and follow her on Twitter @ArianaLFigueroa
Contact Jordan McPherson at jmcpherson@alligator.ort and follow him on Twitter @J_McPherson1126
