UH SGA Candidates Face Campaign Violations

Sambrano and Sherrod suspended for rule breaches during election

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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Several violations and complaints have been filed against University of Houston SGA presidential candidate Joshua Sambrano and vice presidential candidate Lundan Sherrod, leading to campaign suspensions. The violations include using unauthorized endorsements, coordinating with Senate candidates, and alleged door-to-door campaigning in residence halls - all of which are prohibited under SGA election rules. The candidates have appealed the rulings, arguing lack of evidence and unfair procedures.

Why it matters

These violations highlight the importance of SGA candidates following election rules and maintaining independence between officer and Senate races. Upholding campaign integrity and transparency is crucial for a fair and democratic student government election process.

The details

Complaints were filed by fellow students alleging Sambrano and Sherrod violated several SGA election rules, including: using endorsements from non-students, coordinating with Senate candidates, and organizing prohibited door-to-door campaigning in residence halls. The Election Commission found merit in multiple complaints, leading to suspensions of the candidates' digital and physical campaigning for 12-24 hours. Sambrano and Sherrod have appealed the rulings, arguing lack of evidence and unfair procedures.

  • On Feb. 9, Complaint #26-02 and #26-03 were filed.
  • On Feb. 14, Complaint #26-04 was filed.
  • On Feb. 16, Complaint #26-07 and #26-09 were filed.
  • On Feb. 16, Complaint #26-08 was filed but later overturned.

The players

Joshua Sambrano

SGA presidential candidate at the University of Houston.

Lundan Sherrod

SGA vice presidential candidate at the University of Houston, running with Joshua Sambrano.

Aniyah Hubbard

Student who filed multiple complaints against the Sambrano-Sherrod campaign.

Yhoalibeth Guerrero Becerril

Student who filed Complaint #26-08 against the Sambrano-Sherrod campaign.

Jesus Nieto

Former UH SGA senator and alumnus who endorsed the Sambrano-Sherrod campaign.

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What they’re saying

“Issuing a ruling before receiving the candidate's response unfairly advantages the complainant and undermines fundamental fairness.”

— Joshua Sambrano and Lundan Sherrod, SGA Candidates (The Cougar)

“Because the Commission relies on an undefined term and no evidence of conduct, this allegation cannot stand.”

— Joshua Sambrano and Lundan Sherrod, SGA Candidates (The Cougar)

“The Commission's theory that following an account constitutes 'accepting' an endorsement is unsupported by the bylaws.”

— Joshua Sambrano and Lundan Sherrod, SGA Candidates (The Cougar)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

These violations underscore the importance of SGA candidates strictly adhering to election rules to maintain the integrity and transparency of the student government electoral process. The appeals process also highlights the need for fair and consistent enforcement of the rules.