The Associated Students of Madison voted Tyler Junger over Brian Benford as the next ASM chair Tuesday.
Support for both candidates was strong, as Junger won with a 16-14 vote. The two nominees tied in the first appointment hearing Friday.
ASM representatives also elected Tom Templeton as vice chair and Kurt Gosselin as secretary.
Because both candidates had a similar stance regarding outreach, one of ASM's most pressing issues, most of the discussion was based on their past leadership experience.
Several representatives who endorsed Junger, who ran for Responsible Leadership in ASM slate, said he had the necessary qualifications to fulfill the role.
Representative Matt Manes said specifically Junger's knowledge about ASM gave him the edge over Benford.
""It's working knowledge that only comes with being involved in the administration,"" he said. ""I feel that's where Junger exceeds Benford.""
According to Representative Rebecca Newman, Junger provides a better representation of ASM because of his professional attitude and communication skills.
""I see the position of chair obviously for being the face of ASM, but also for being the most active role in communicating within the administration and representing ASM in the best light,"" she said.
Many representatives also voiced their support for Benford, who is a former District 12 Alder and ran under the For Accessibility Community and Empowerment of Students (FACES) slate.
Representative Katrina Flores, who ran for District 8 alderman this spring, said Benford brings a sort of ""electricity"" that she deemed necessary to mediate ASM and create a vision.
Flores said Benford's various former leadership positions stood out as important qualifications for the role.
""[He has the] most extensive experience on so many different levels. He can look to reform ASM better than his counterpart,"" she said.
Following the chair vote, representatives deliberated the vice chair and secretary positions.
Templeton defeated Jonah Zinn as vice chair with a 14-11 vote, Zinn went on to win the Academic Affairs Chair.
ASM representatives also elected Theotis Sharpe as the Nominations Board chair, Adam Johnson as the Legislative Affairs chair, and Lauren Vollrath as the Student Activiy Center Governing Board chair. The Finance Committee chair will be chosen Friday.
