North Carolina State Senate District 19

Current seat holder: Val Applewhite.

Venus de la Cruz

Venus de la Cruz graduated from Reid Ross High School. Her career experience includes working as a business owner.

· Ballotpedia

Campaign site

Public education & schools: “Education is one of my highest priorities. As a mother of six with experience in public, private, and homeschool education, I understand the benefits and challenges of each. I support parents' right to choose the education that best meets their child's needs, including opportunity scholarships. I will advocate for high academic standards, safe classrooms, strong teachers, and transparency with parents about their children's education.” (Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey (2026))
Housing & infrastructure: “District 19 deserves a senator who is accessible, accountable, and committed to representing every citizen fairly. I believe government should serve people without division or favoritism. I will safeguard taxpayer dollars through transparency and responsible oversight, advocate for clean and protected water sources, and defend the constitutional rights and individual liberties of all constituents. My commitment is to listen, ask the hard questions, demand accountability, and ensure every citizen of District 19 has a voice in Raleigh.” (Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey (2026))

Val Applewhite

Val Applewhite earned a bachelor's degree in business administration and an M.S. in political science. Her career experience includes working as a real estate broker.

· Official legislative page · Ballotpedia

Campaign site

Education: “Fort Bragg. Fayetteville State University. Fayetteville Technical Community College. Our healthcare institutions. Veterans and military families. Entrepreneurs. A diverse workforce.” (Campaign website)
Healthcare: “The challenge is connecting more of our people to the opportunities those assets can create—better careers, stronger businesses, homeownership and greater financial security.” (Campaign website)
Education: “NC State SenatorVal Applewhite represents Senate District 19 in Cumberland County. An Air Force Veteran, she works to strengthen the economy, public schools, healthcare and the lives of active duty military, their families and veterans.” (Campaign website)