College Republicans “geek out” on election night

The College Republicans and Turning Point USA came together at Dempster Hall on Nov. 6 for a midterm elections watch party.

The two whiteboards at the front of the room were filled with information regarding the election. One showed the numbers on how many seats it would take for the Democrats to flip the Senate and the House, and another listed when every poll in the country closes.

In front of the room was Reagen Tibbs, secretary of College Republicans and Turning Point USA, controlling the computer being projected onto a screen for all to see.

He was following races in several states using the New York Times website, as well as breaking in front of the group from time to time to explain what all of the numbers and graphics meant.

“Tonight, we’re just going to have a good time, look over some poll numbers,” Tibbs said.

Support for Josh Hawley was high throughout the room. Turning Point USA President Gavin Sample expressed why he believed the support existed.

“I think Josh Hawley shares more values that people agree with over Claire McCaskill,” Sample said.

College Republicans president Ian Cameron also sat at the front of the room, wearing a Josh Hawley shirt with his full attention on the screen.

He was hopeful for his candidate, but not supportive of the medical marijuana ballot measures.

“I have no issues with medical marijuana being legalized. But if it’s going to be, then it should be at the federal level,” Cameron said.

He also said that he was not supportive of the minimum wage increase as it would hurt small businesses.

The main goal of the watch party was to bring like-minded friends together and have a good time being “political nerds.”

“Hopefully [we see] some positive results in the senate, in the house. But also just having a good time. Just being nerds,” Cameron said.