Meet the candidates: U.S. Representative, District 15 Republican seat

RIO GRANDE VALLEY, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Republican candidates Monica De La Cruz and Vangela Churchill are prepared to keep the Texas' 15th Congressional District seat from flipping back to blue in this year's race.

De La Cruz is the first Republican and woman to represent District 15 after her victory against Michelle Vallejo in November 2022.

Monica's Congress re-run focuses on her continuation to advocate for border security and the economy.

"Our border is out of control. The Biden Administration has failed South Texas and border communities from California to the Gulf Coast," De La Cruz announced in January. "This madness has to end."

During De La Cruz's first year in Congress, she has passed pro-Texas legislation out of the House of Representatives, co-sponsored over 200 pieces of legislation and responded to over 24,000 letters.

Churchill is in the running against De La Cruz for U.S. House District 15 with an approach to also focus on border security.

"My focus is on securing the border, boosting our economy, and making choices that put America first," Churchill said in her campaign.

Churchill grew up in the Rio Grande Valley, spending her time in Port Isabel, Sullivan City and La Joya.

She has experience in the educational field including serving as a high school assistant principal and adjunct professor for Strayer University.

Whoever wins will go against the Democratic victor in the general election.

Check back in tomorrow on ValleyCentral to see you will fill the Republican seat.