By CASON JUNG and TY STIEFEL

All day on June 29, 2026, elections for the nationalist party took place and once again the ecstaticity was through the roof, and the drama continued in the same manner. The elections held on this day were for the roles of the Justices of Appeal, Comptroller, Attorney General, Lieutenant Governor, and Governor.

Elections began with a quick decision for the Justices of Appeal. For this election, there were no run-offs, meaning that there is no simple majority needed and the ones with the highest number of votes will win. Additionally, seven out of ten counties’ nominees are appointed to the court. In general, all candidates that were selected had a mix of commanding, confident, and captivating stage presences while holding similar values of liberty and justice for all. 

However, one candidate in particular stood out. Charles Kirk (0715) of Troiola County amazed the crowd with inspirational quotes and even a back flip to cap off his speech. “Chief Justice is not about the individual, it’s about making every voice heard,” he said.

Following the quick election to establish the Court of Appeals, procedures continued for the Comptroller role. Rai Chaudhary (0725) of Troiola was selected to be the Comptroller of the Nationalists. A key factor that led to his victory was his extensive experience and knowledge in the finance world. Specifically, Chaudhary recently had an internship where he learned more about being a Comptroller and knew because of that experience it was the role he wanted to run for. 

To add on, Chaudhary presented a very effective speech, in which he proposed a pension fund plan that would have long term benefits as well as proposing lower costs of living. Providing a unique and nuanced perspective, Chaudhary took the win for Troiola in the third round with 150 votes. 

The final election of the morning was the position of the nationalist party’s Attorney General candidate. The leading nominee was Stafford county’s Leonidas Young-Boyd (0637) secured a landslide victory with 193 votes, beating out Stember County’s nominee. “With your low effort to raise your hand, I’ll give my maximum effort to be your Attorney General,” Leonidas stated. He  was convincing and brief with his address, he was motivated by his promise to himself to do as much as he could at Boys’ State and demonstrates the qualities of a leader. 

Later at night, the same convention reconvened at around 7:00 PM. As expected, excitement filled the air yet also a desire to get the procedure done as efficiently as possible. The elections held at this time were the Lieutenant Governor Nominee and Governor Nominee of the Nationalist party. 

Starting off was the election process for the Lieutenant Governor Nominee for the Nationalists. To say that it was intense would be an understatement, and eventually it was a showdown between Gavin Griffin (0093) of McKneally and Chase Blumenfeld (0651) of Spafford. Following deliberate and heartfelt speeches, democracy took place and Blumenfeld (0651) took the win as Lieutenant Governor Nominee with 133 votes over Griffin’s 114 votes.

Blumenfeld has various plans that he would like to propose for Boys’ State. He cares deeply about the issues engrained in society, which led him to take the stage with confidence and passion to discuss his opinions. “We are in a crisis and New Yorkers are leaving our state,” Blumenfeld said.

After making that statement, Blumenfeld proposed his solutions for problems with affordability, education, and regulation of big corporations that the crowd acknowledged and respected. Proving to be a great public speaker and leader, Blumenfeld is one that will certainly grab your attention.  

The final election of the day was for the position of the Nationalists party’s Governor candidate. Fish county’s Daryon (DJ) Summers (0247) secured the spot in a tense and electric race, winning with 132 votes in the final round. DJ’s intense speech won the crowd’s support, with his chants and stunts but heartfelt message. “Everyone always told me I have a good heart.” DJ’s love of politics comes from his childhood.

DJ was shy about his passion at first, even hiding it from his mom but as he learned more and connected with more people, such as the mayor of Syracuse,  he loved politics even more and is not embarrassed about it.  Despite his eccentricity, his experience and passion for politics makes him a strong and serious candidate for governor. 

Party elections are officially complete. Eventually, both parties will finally come together to have a full Boys’ State election, in which each official position will be voted for by all citizens of Boys’ State.