Venus de la Cruz

Venus de la Cruz is the Republican candidate for North Carolina State Senate District 19 in the November 3, 2026 general election, challenging incumbent Val Applewhite (D).[1][3] A business owner and military spouse, she said in a Ballotpedia survey that education, public safety and accessible government are her main campaign themes.[1][2]

Venus de la Cruz graduated from Reid Ross High School and has worked as a business owner.[1] In a Ballotpedia survey, she described herself as the owner and manager of Venus Vogue, Inc. and E&V Investments, a former owner and publisher of a bi-weekly magazine, the spouse of a retired U.S. Army lieutenant colonel, and the co-founder of a nonprofit serving military members and their families.[2] She also described herself as a mother of six, a community volunteer and a church member and teacher.[2]

De la Cruz advanced to the general election after the Republican primary was canceled.[1] In the survey, she said she supports parents' right to choose a child's education, including opportunity scholarships, and wants to expand career and technical education.[2] She also said she would support law enforcement and advocate for resources for Cumberland County, including for the Sheriff's Office and detention center.[2]

Researched from the cited sources on 2026-10-21. Not yet independently fact-checked.