Election season is here. The roadways and neighborhoods are littered with signs. Political literature and social media are cluttering our mailboxes and smartphones. We’re bombarded with names and faces of people that many have never heard of until now.
That's not a bad thing. We need new faces willing to step up. Of course, you'll have to do a little more homework to figure out who these candidates are and what they stand for.
In this election cycle, I’m a new name and face. I'm Venus de la Cruz and I'm running for NC State Senate, D19. The decision for me to run wasn’t frivolous. It came with much prayer and consideration. No one talked me into it, although some did suggest it. The nudge was enough for me to pause and pray.
Have you ever heard someone say,” Why doesn't somebody do something?” Well, I'm answering the call. In this phase of my life, I have the time, energy, means, and, at 63, the experience and maturity to do something.
“Is there not a cause”, was the question David asked when Goliath mocked and challenged Israel and their God. I say, “There is!” Our country is being mocked and challenged using our own systems and freedoms to fundamentally change our societal norms, governmental structures and Constitutional liberties.
Recently, Iran submitted a 25-page endorsement of the Democrat party. The “Death to America” ideology is asking the left to hold the door open for them to come into our beautiful country and turn it into the likes of England and France!
Aside from all the socially and politically destructive “isms” that have highjacked the left, becoming a dizzying circus, the endorsement appears to be a Trojan horse in the Dem party that seeks to destroy the greatness of America and establish a caliphate with Sharia Law ruling the land.
The unwitting minstrels under this circus tent will not be able to save themselves from the same destruction they hope to inflict on the right. Once they’ve served their purpose of gaining them entrance, their own necks will also be on the chopping block.
That’s one reason I’ve surrendered to make up the hedge and stand in the gap.
Your choices: Good or evil.
As a Rep in a Dem stronghold, could I win? Maybe. But, the incumbent, Sen. Val Applewhite may not stand much more of a chance herself. Apparently, her own performance in office has left her reputation less than desirable and a disappointment to previous supporters.
When introducing myself and asked my affiliation, my reply is boldly, “Republican”. The Reps are enthusiastic. The Dems usually respond with either disappointment, distrust, outright rejection, or sometimes disgust.
The next question is my favorite: “Who’s your opponent?”
Answering with the delivery of a comedian setting up for the punchline, I say the name. There is almost ALWAYS a visceral reaction followed by a groan or a sigh, no matter what their affiliation. (Insert ROFL emoji)
I’ve been told by many I’ll be the first Rep they’ve ever voted for! What an honor!
What’s their beef? INEFFECTIVENESS. I’ve heard the Sen say, on multiple occasions, that because of the Rep majority in the General Assembly, she, as a Dem, can’t get anything done. She's asking voters to reelect her so she can continue to hold the seat until the Dems become the majority and can finally get something done.
In other words, vote her in so she can hold the seat and do nothing. Her record proves she hasn’t brought funding into D19 since she took office.
When she had the opportunity to negotiate funding for her district by supporting the 2026 state budget, she opted to vote “NO” instead, towing the line for the Dems. Her previous supporters have conveyed she’s done nothing for her district nor her constituents. INEFFECTIVE!
How about this? Because I’m in the majority, I will be able to bring funding in! I will be able to negotiate! I WILL BE EFFECTIVE!
Your choices: Effectiveness or not.

(Photo courtesy of Venus de la Cruz)