Jay Bundy, who has been campaigning for the UPUA presidency, announced he is dropping out of the race last night.

Bundy said he didn't see himself as dropping out because he decided to use his "influence and resources" to support another candidate, Gavin Keirans.

Bundy had been considering supporting Keirans since before the elections, though the two only entered serious discussions last week, he said. Keirans confirmed the two had spoken, saying the details had been "ironed out" this weekend.

The discussions centered mostly on "making sure it was in the best interest of both parties," Bundy said. He added that he and Keirans "share a vision as far as what students need."

Specifically, Bundy mentioned Keirans' focus on the "imperative of mental health." Bundy added that Keirans would bring "innovation and creative thinking" to the executive office of UPUA.

Keirans said Bundy's support is definitely beneficial for his campaign.

"Jay is a proven leader. His focus on mental health is positive and can only help [the campaign]," Keirans said.

Bundy said it wasn't important to him to win an election because he got the most votes in the fall election.

"The game is much more about focusing on the issues and keeping the best interest of students in mind," he said.

Several candidates had approached Bundy to join their campaigns, he said, but Keirans was the first to approach him and gave him the "best offer." If Keirans is elected, Bundy said he would serve as his chief executive adviser.

Ricardo Torres could not be reached for comment, but all of the other candidates said they had not talked to Bundy about endorsement possibilities.

Jonathan Gremminger, presidential candidate, said Bundy's decision didn't come as a surprise to any of the candidates.

"As of now, a vote for Gavin [Keirans] is a vote for Bundy," he said. "I'd just warn students to be wary of that."

Hillary Lewis, presidential candidate, said she thought Bundy's decision would neither "condemn nor help" Keirans' campaign.

Presidential candidates Daniel Hadas and Peter Johnson both said Bundy's decision was his own to make.

Hadas said even though Bundy was dropping out, he was sure Bundy would stay involved in advocating for students in some way.

UPUA President Jay Chamberlin, who ran against Bundy last fall, said Bundy's decision is a "good thing for the legitimacy of our elections process."

Chamberlin said there are a few candidates this year who he thinks would do a "poor job" as president, and the elimination of Bundy removes one of those.