Student Body President Andy Walsh tweeted his support for student body president candidate Matt Williams Monday evening.

This is the first time a current student body president has publicly endorsed a candidate, according to Kristen Gower, a senior in international studies.

“I have had a working relationship with every student body president from Jay Dawkins to Chandler Thompson,” Gower, a former member of student government, said. “Up until now, the current SBP has always done their best to remain impartial during these elections.”

A conflict arises, according to Gower, in that if a candidate other than Williams, Lauren Collier or Dwayne O’Rear, wins the election, that person would have to turn to a former president who supported someone else for mentorship.

“If we elect a candidate who Andy didn’t endorse, then that electee is without a liferaft,” Gower said.

While Gower says the president’s public support for one candidate is unprecedented, Walsh said it happened many times before.

“It’s not something that’s unheard of,” Walsh said. “Last year, Chandler Thompson didn’t endorse anybody, but the year before that, Kelly Hook endorsed her.”

Walsh also said former president Jay Dawkins endorsed his roommate Jim Ceresnak, who succeeded him.

Gower said there may have been help passed on from each president before Walsh, it has never been public.

“I know Jay helped Jim with his campaign, but he never outright said it,” Gower said. “And Chandler Thompson was dating Andy Walsh, so how could she not want him to get elected?”

Though, in the past, candidates endorsed by their predecessors tend to win, Walsh said he does not believe his endorsement will have a big impact on Williams’ chance of winning the election.

Gower said that while she thinks Williams is most qualified, it’s the job of the president to have students speak for themselves.

“[The election] is kind of unpredictable right now,” Gower said.

“Everyone has to run hard and prove to the student body that they’re the right candidate,” Walsh said. “[The student body] shouldn’t just listen to me.”

Walsh said he considers each of the three candidates as friends, but felt as though the one he chose to support was the most qualified.

“All three students are great student leaders… they’re all really great candidates,” Walsh said. “I just think Matt, at this point in time, knows what’s achievable and what isn’t achievable.”

As far as other student government positions, Walsh said he would not back any candidates for any position other than student body president.