On a brisk October evening, the 7th District congressional campaign kicked into full gear as the race enters its final two weeks.

The Truth and Courage PAC visited Montclair Tabernacle Church to host a rally in support of Coles District Supervisor Yesli Vega. It was an evening filled with a raucous crowd and campaign speeches that are typical of this time of year. After Senior Pastor Brad Lewis began the events in prayer, several speakers began to approach the outdoor podium. Leading the charge was Pastor Rafael Cruz, the father of Texas senator Ted Cruz. He spoke of the urgency in winning this year’s midterm elections.

“America is at a crossroads,” he said. “This is the dichotomy that we are choosing today, between life and death.”

He continued, “Let me tell you how important 2022 is, if we lose this election, there will not be a 2024.”

Afterwards, Texas Congressman Chip Roy addressed the crowd, with the Truth and Courage bus rolling into the area to the sound of AC/DC’s “Thunderstruck,” prompting a loud cheer from those in attendance. As it entered, Cruz, Governor Glenn Youngkin, and Vega were on the top waving to the crowd.

Next, Vega took the stage and introduced her family, then began to address her Democratic opponent, Congresswoman Abigail Spanberger. Vega touted her record in law enforcement and how she will be a difference maker in Washington. “In 15 days, we’re going to flip the 7th District.”

A speech that was more fire and brimstone than of policy, Vega stated that the focus is not on partisan politics. “We’re past the point of ‘I’m a Republican, I’m a Democrat, I’m an independent, it’s about being an American.”

When it came to discussing her plans as Congresswoman, she said all she would have to do, “Is the opposite of what Abigail Spanberger does.”

She then introduced Virginia’s 74th Governor, who high-fived Vega and began throwing basketballs into the crowd. Then he spoke about Spanberger’s voting record on spending, while touting Vega as a can-do candidate and predicting a Republican win this November. “What we’re going to see is a red wave that is sweeping across the Commonwealth,” he said.

Finally, Senator Cruz was introduced and started by making jokes about President Joe Biden, with one person shouting, “He’s not our President.” When he addressed Vice President Kamala Harris to a chorus of boos, he joked about her recent comments on North Korea.

He addressed issues such as immigration, inflation and how Vega will address issues in rising crime rates.

During the media scrum afterwards, the PW Perspective asked Vega about said crime rates in the 7h District and her plans to solve the issue. “First, we have to restore the relationship that we once had,” said the former law enforcement officer. “You have people who don’t want to apply for the position anymore because of the demonizing that has come from the defund the police movement, so I think that it’s important that we empower our police department, and that they’re going to have the backing of their elected officials. We have to restore public trust by retaining the talent that we have in the police force and recruit new talent.”

The general election will take place on Tuesday, November 8th, with early voting already underway.