Vangela Churchill

Vangela Churchill (Republican Party) ran for election to the U.S. House to represent Texas' 15th Congressional District. She lost in the Republican primary on March 5, 2024.

Biography

Vangela Churchill was born in Spokane, Washington. She earned a bachelor's degree from the University of Texas-Pan American in 2003, a master's degree from National University in 2011, and a master's degree from St. Thomas University in 2016. Her career experience includes working as a high school assistant principal. Churchill has been affiliated with the NRA.^[1]

Elections

2024

Texas' 15th Congressional District election, 2024 (March 5 Republican primary)

Texas' 15th Congressional District election, 2024 (March 5 Democratic primary)

General election

General election for U.S. House Texas District 15

Incumbent Monica De La Cruz defeated Michelle Vallejo in the general election for U.S. House Texas District 15 on November 5, 2024.

	Candidate	%	Votes
✔	Monica De La Cruz (R)	57.1	127,804
	Michelle Vallejo (D)	42.9	95,965

	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 223,769
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

Arthur DiBianca (L)

Democratic primary election

Democratic primary for U.S. House Texas District 15

Michelle Vallejo defeated John Villarreal Rigney in the Democratic primary for U.S. House Texas District 15 on March 5, 2024.

	Candidate	%	Votes
✔	Michelle Vallejo	74.7	21,456
	John Villarreal Rigney	25.3	7,268

	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 28,724
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Republican primary election

Republican primary for U.S. House Texas District 15

Incumbent Monica De La Cruz defeated Vangela Churchill in the Republican primary for U.S. House Texas District 15 on March 5, 2024.

	Candidate	%	Votes
✔	Monica De La Cruz	88.2	30,972
	Vangela Churchill	11.8	4,140

	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 35,112
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Libertarian convention

Libertarian convention for U.S. House Texas District 15

Arthur DiBianca advanced from the Libertarian convention for U.S. House Texas District 15 on March 23, 2024.

		Candidate
✔		Arthur DiBianca (L)

	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Endorsements

Ballotpedia did not identify endorsements for Churchill in this election.

2022

General election

General election for U.S. House Texas District 15

Monica De La Cruz defeated Michelle Vallejo and Ross Lynn Leone in the general election for U.S. House Texas District 15 on November 8, 2022.

	Candidate	%	Votes
✔	Monica De La Cruz (R)	53.3	80,978
	Michelle Vallejo (D)	44.8	68,097
	Ross Lynn Leone (L)	1.9	2,814

	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 151,889
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Democratic primary runoff election

Democratic primary runoff for U.S. House Texas District 15

Michelle Vallejo defeated Ruben Ramirez in the Democratic primary runoff for U.S. House Texas District 15 on May 24, 2022.

	Candidate	%	Votes
✔	Michelle Vallejo	50.1	6,079
	Ruben Ramirez	49.9	6,049

	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source 1 Source 2	Total votes: 12,128
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Democratic primary election

Democratic primary for U.S. House Texas District 15

The following candidates ran in the Democratic primary for U.S. House Texas District 15 on March 1, 2022.

	Candidate	%	Votes
✔	Ruben Ramirez	28.3	9,221
✔	Michelle Vallejo	20.1	6,570
	John Villarreal Rigney	19.2	6,268
	Eliza Alvarado	16.5	5,398
	Vanessa Tijerina	10.6	3,470
	Julio Garza	5.2	1,693

	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 32,620
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

Roberto Haddad (D)

Republican primary election

Republican primary for U.S. House Texas District 15

The following candidates ran in the Republican primary for U.S. House Texas District 15 on March 1, 2022.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Monica De La Cruz	56.5	16,835
		Mauro Garza	15.3	4,544
		Sara Canady	9.2	2,741
		Ryan Krause	9.2	2,728
	Submit photo	Steve Schmuker Jr.	3.6	1,064
	Submit photo	John Lerma	2.2	658
	Submit photo	Jose Aizar Cavazos	1.7	504
	Submit photo	Angela Juarez	1.4	416
		Vangela Churchill	1.0	298

	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 29,788
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

Libertarian convention

Libertarian convention for U.S. House Texas District 15

Ross Lynn Leone advanced from the Libertarian convention for U.S. House Texas District 15 on March 19, 2022.

		Candidate
✔		Ross Lynn Leone (L)

	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

Campaign themes

2024

Ballotpedia survey responses

Vangela Churchill did not complete Ballotpedia's 2024 Candidate Connection survey.

Campaign website

Churchill’s campaign website stated the following:

“

AMERICA FIRST
The corruption in Washington DC is destroying the nation that our forefathers fought so hard to build. From open borders to an ecomomy in shambles, we’ve got a lot of work to do if we’re going to save our country!

BORDER SECURITY
A nation is defined by its borders, its laws, and the citizens that live within the boundaries of both. For too long, all of these have been ignored and the consequences are disastrous.

In December 2023, the daily number of illegal aliens crossing the border reached 14,000. That’s the population of Mission every six days, the population of Edinburg every week, and the population of McAllen every ten days. But these people aren’t bringing roads, homes, schools, hospitals or food that they need with them. We provide that for them. We pay for all of it.

And we need to stop it.

When I’m in Washington, I will not waiver on my commitment to securing the border. I will vote against any bill that makes it easier for people to illegally cross the border and that rewards those who make it across. I will work hard to get that wall built and support the brave men and women of law enforcement in their mission of protecting our nation.

THE ECONOMY

The democrats’ policies of massive government spending, inflation, exporting industries and importing foreign workers have left us weaker and poorer. We need to send Washington a message by electing the kind of representative who will work day and night to restore American prosperity.^[2]

”

—Vangela Churchill's campaign website (2024)^[3]

2022

Vangela Churchill completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2022. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Churchill's responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.

Expand all | Collapse all

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

My name is Vangela Churchill. Every day educators face America’s problems head on. We are overwhelmed with students who entered our country illegally, English as a second language, medical issues for students with no insurance, children facing hunger, drug addiction and the collateral damage on our communities, budgetary crises, and education itself. The core of many of America’s problems are inside our schools every day.

I am the proud wife of a Texas State Trooper who also serves in the National Guard. I am a mother who, like many of you, is concerned about the well-being of my children and grandchildren’s future.

I’m running for Congress because for my entire adult career I have faced many of the problems that we as a nation face. Congress has failed taxpayers. I’m Vangela Churchill. Let’s send a principal to Congress. I promise to never allow a passing grade on my watch.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

Border Security- The federal government has already paid for the border wall, it’s time we finish it. In addition to the wall, we need to provide Customs and Border Patrol with the resources they need to do their job. With the influx of illegal immigrants comes the influx of drugs such as fentanyl, and human-trafficking.
Election Integrity- we are the freest nation in the world because of our electoral process. Voter fraud exists, and in order for people to trust the process, we need to pass laws that require government-issued IDs to vote along with other measures to ensure election integrity
Term Limits- Why do we have term limits for the President, but not for members of Congress or members of the Senate. With term limits, we will stop corporate America from influencing what happens in Washington.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

As we know, DPS is working along with Border Patrol and Lieutenant Christopher Olivarez with stated that they have recovered over 200 million lethal doses of fentanyl. Biden and his administration are doing absolutely nothing to stop it. As Henry Cuellar put it, VP Harris is not interested in solving our border crisis. The Federal government hasn’t done its job. Now DPS, the National Guard, and BP are the only things protecting our borders. They are asking for Manpower, technology, and infrastructure. We can start by using all the steel that is already paid for and laying on the ground to finish the wall. I think that if Nancy Pelosi can have a wall around her house to protect herself, then as a nation we deserve to have a wall on our borders to protect our citizens. We al know that a nation without borders is not a nation. Border security will help decrease the influx of drugs, minimize human-trafficking, and provide safer communities.

Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?

I look up to all of my students who, despite their circumstances, pushed through high school, going to college, the military, or straight in the workforce. Some of them wanted to give up but somehow found the courage to keep going. Now they are young adults married with families of their own. Though I was their teacher, they taught me so many lessons.

If I have to follow anyone's example, it would be that of 45- Donald Trump. He accomplished so much despite all the odds against him. He is a true leader. I am ready to face adversity just as he did. Nobody can hurt my feelings as I stand up for Americans and do my part in helping bring back the America we know we are.

Is there a book, essay, film, or something else you would recommend to someone who wants to understand your political philosophy?

The Constitution of the Unites States of America!

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

Integrity is number one. As an elected official, always doing the right thing even when nobody see it is a must. Stay humble and never forget why you were elected, and do right by the people that elected you.

What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?

As I said in my video, I am not a show horse but a work horse. I don't quit until the job is done.

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

We must make every decision based on what is best for the American people- not a party and definitely not corporate America.

What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?

On September 11, 2001, I was working in La Joya, TX as a network technician for the local school district when I heard about a plane crashing into one of the twin towers. As I watched things progress, at 28 years of age, I couldn't comprehend what happened and why.

I instantly felt overwhelmingly sad, in disbelief, and even scared. I cried watching the news for months afterwards, but I also felt proud of those that were determined to sign up and serve our country to take on these terrorists that caused us so much pain.

20 years later, I look around and have those same feelings I felt that day- sad, in disbelief and scared for our country. Now it is my turn to serve our country by running for Congress. Our beautiful Nation is crumbling under the Biden Administration.

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

Besides babysitting as a teenager, my first real job was working as a cashier at Walmart. I loved my job as I was able to get to meet new people and greet them everyday with a smile. I have always been a team player with good work ethics, and I always volunteered to work the holidays when nobody else wanted to. I worked there for about a year until I moved.

I am not ashamed to say that I worked for Walmart. In fact, I tell my students it isn't about where you started or where you come from but about what you do with your life and where you go from here.

What is your favorite book? Why?

I read professional development books- anything to help me better myself is what I spend my time reading.

What was the last song that got stuck in your head?

Como La Flor by Selena

What is something that has been a struggle in your life?

As someone who was raised in a cult and married off as a teenager, when I divorced that man and left the cult, I was shunned by my family. It was difficult, but it made me a stronger more determined woman.

What qualities does the U.S. House of Representatives possess that makes it unique as an institution?

The ability serve as a representative and be a part of introducing and passing bills that I know will directly affect the people of my district makes this a unique institution.

Do you believe that it's beneficial for representatives to have previous experience in government or politics?

No, not necessarily. People want to know that the person that is representing them is like them. As someone who is not a career politician, I am able to focus on the people of my district and their needs versus corporate America's needs and wants.

What do you perceive to be the United States’ greatest challenges as a nation over the next decade?

We are now facing this border crisis and the amount of illegal immigrants that have been disbursed all over our Nation. We are going to be addressing this for years to come.

If you are not a current representative, are there certain committees that you would want to be a part of?

I would love to be a part of the Education and Labor or Homeland Security committees.

If you are a current representative, why did you join your current committees?

N/A

Do you believe that two years is the right term length for representatives?

Yes, but I do believe we should limit it to two terms.

What are your thoughts on term limits?

We need term limits. If we have term limits for the president, why not for senators and members of Congress. This will help avoid corporate America from dictating what happens in Washington.

Is there a particular representative, past or present, whom you want to model yourself after?

Dan Crenshaw is Congressman for Texas' second congressional district. He served our country and didn't call it quits when he was injured. He went on to continue to serve the American people.

Both sitting representatives and candidates for office hear many personal stories from the residents of their district. Is there a story that you’ve heard that you found particularly touching, memorable, or impactful?

In December of 2021, not too long before Christmas, Carmen Huerta Sosa, 59, and her 22-year-old daughter, Viridiana Charon Lloyd lost their lives senselessly when a human smuggler with six illegal immigrants crashed into their vehicle killing them instantly. This happened in our backyard. Had the border wall been finished and secure, this would have never of happened. Carmen and Viri would be alive today.

Do you believe that compromise is necessary or desirable for policymaking?

Yes. Democrats and Republicans need to work together, however there are some things that should not even be negotiated.

Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.

Campaign finance summary

Note: The finance data shown here comes from the disclosures required of candidates and parties. Depending on the election or state, this may represent only a portion of all the funds spent on their behalf. Satellite spending groups may or may not have expended funds related to the candidate or politician on whose page you are reading this disclaimer. Campaign finance data from elections may be incomplete. For elections to federal offices, complete data can be found at the FEC website. Click here for more on federal campaign finance law and here for more on state campaign finance law.

Vangela Churchill campaign contribution history
Year	Office	Status	Contributions	Expenditures
2024*	U.S. House Texas District 15	Lost primary	$5,645	$5,645
2022	U.S. House Texas District 15	Lost primary	$0	N/A**
Grand total			$5,645	$5,645
Sources: OpenSecrets, Federal Elections Commission *This product uses the openFEC API but is not endorsed or certified by the Federal Election Commission (FEC).
* Data from this year may not be complete
** Data on expenditures is not available for this election cycle
Note: Totals above reflect only available data.

External links

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Candidate

U.S. House Texas District 15

Personal

Footnotes

↑ Information submitted to Ballotpedia through the Candidate Connection survey on February 1, 2022.
↑ Note: This text is quoted verbatim from the original source. Any inconsistencies are attributable to the original source.
↑ Vangela Churchill for Congress, “Home,” accessed January 20, 2024

[show]

Texas' current delegation to the United States Congress

Senators

John Cornyn (R)

Ted Cruz (R)

Representatives

District 1

Nathaniel Moran (R)

District 2

Daniel Crenshaw (R)

District 3

Keith Self (R)

District 4

Pat Fallon (R)

District 5

Lance Gooden (R)

District 6

Jake Ellzey (R)

District 7

Lizzie Fletcher (D)

District 8

Morgan Luttrell (R)

District 9

Al Green (D)

District 10

Michael McCaul (R)

District 11

August Pfluger (R)

District 12

Craig Goldman (R)

District 13

Ronny Jackson (R)

District 14

Randy Weber (R)

District 15

Monica De La Cruz (R)

District 16

Veronica Escobar (D)

District 17

Pete Sessions (R)

District 18

Vacant

District 19

Jodey Arrington (R)

District 20

Joaquin Castro (D)

District 21

Chip Roy (R)

District 22

Troy Nehls (R)

District 23

Tony Gonzales (R)

District 24

Beth Van Duyne (R)

District 25

Roger Williams (R)

District 26

Brandon Gill (R)

District 27

Michael Cloud (R)

District 28

Henry Cuellar (D)

District 29

Sylvia Garcia (D)

District 30

Jasmine Crockett (D)

District 31

John Carter (R)

District 32

Julie Johnson (D)

District 33

Marc Veasey (D)

District 34

Vicente Gonzalez (D)

District 35

Greg Casar (D)

District 36

Brian Babin (R)

District 37

Lloyd Doggett (D)

District 38

Wesley Hunt (R)

Republican Party (27)

Democratic Party (12)

Vacancies (1)

[bio-1] Information submitted to Ballotpedia through the Candidate Connection survey on February 1, 2022.

[quotedisclaimer-2] Note: This text is quoted verbatim from the original source. Any inconsistencies are attributable to the original source.

[3] Vangela Churchill for Congress, “Home,” accessed January 20, 2024

[1]

[2]

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Vangela Churchill

Biography

Elections

2024

General election

General election for U.S. House Texas District 15

Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

Democratic primary election

Democratic primary for U.S. House Texas District 15

Republican primary election

Republican primary for U.S. House Texas District 15

Libertarian convention

Libertarian convention for U.S. House Texas District 15

Endorsements

2022

General election

General election for U.S. House Texas District 15

Democratic primary runoff election

Democratic primary runoff for U.S. House Texas District 15

Democratic primary election

Democratic primary for U.S. House Texas District 15

Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

Republican primary election

Republican primary for U.S. House Texas District 15

Libertarian convention

Libertarian convention for U.S. House Texas District 15

Campaign themes

2024

Ballotpedia survey responses

Campaign website

2022

Campaign finance summary

See also

External links

Footnotes

Information about voting

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