Lenore Carey
September 5, 2024
Nearly 2,000 supporters packed in to see Republican vice president nominee JD Vance, and a handful of other conservative celebrities, on Wednesday at Generation Church in Mesa, AZ. Free tickets were available online prior to the start of the event.
Featured guests included Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk, Congressional candidate Kelly Cooper, and Senate candidate Kari Lake, all speaking to the importance of civic engagement.
Attendees waited in line for several hours in 109-degree weather prior to the start of the event. Event staff tried to minimize heat-related complications by providing water and shade, yet at least three supporters fainted.
The crowd, decked in MAGA gear and American flags, cheered enthusiastically, sang with the worship band, and waved signs at the press photographers. There was a large number of students on-site with groups like Teenage Republicans, Young Republicans, and of course, Turning Point USA.
Generation Church’s worship team delivered a lively performance to open up the night, followed by a short sermon by lead pastor Ryan Visconti.
“We can continue on the path we have been on, or as a nation we can turn to the Lord,” said Visconti. “Don’t let anyone tell [Christians] to keep your faith out of politics. Nobody else keeps their beliefs separate from their vote”.
Turning Point USA used the event to showcase their Chase the Vote initiative in the swing states of Arizona, Georgia, and Wisconsin, designed to turnout conservative voters who might not otherwise participate in the election.
“We are here in east Mesa, where the election might be decided. We need to have a citizen force to chase every single ballot in the month of October,” said Charlie Kirk, founder of Turning Point USA.
The event concluded with an hour-long conversation between Charlie Kirk and Senator JD Vance, who answered questions about what he hopes to accomplish if President Trump gets a second term in the White House.
“I just want something really simple… if you work hard and play by the rules, you ought to be able to afford a home and a nice life.” Vance said. “Take-home pay, especially for blue-collar workers, skyrocketed under President Trump. That alone can decide the election.”
