Island Spirit in the Heartland: Hawaii transplant embraces GOP values and sparks change in rural Missouri

by Melanie Chance

In a surprising twist of island vibes in the heart of Cedar County, I had a taste of the aloha spirit. As soon as I arrived at the Cruz residence, I was greeted by family members hanging out in their garage. They explained to me that it is a custom in Hawaii for everyone to gather in the garage for social events. As I stepped in, we shared laughs and stories amidst the vibrant island-themed decor. The hospitality was as warm as a Kona breeze, and I received a full ‘ohana-style tour of the home. Even though we are far from the islands, the aloha spirit can still be found right here in Cedar County, Missouri.

Meet Renee Cruz, former Executive Vice Chair of Events for the Maui County GOP (one seat below the County Chair) in Hawaii.

Cruz has just returned from the RNC in Milwaukee and is eager to share her experiences. In spite of being with her party and watching President Trump accept the nomination to run for the 47th President, she knows that nothing in politics is ever perfect.

Cruz received a golden ticket from her Republican party friend, Tamara McKay, who is the state chair of the Hawaii GOP. Cruz credits McKay for being an extraordinary leader and chair who gets things done. She was proud to work alongside McKay. “Hawaii is blessed to have her; she brings credibility to the Republican party, stands for the people, addresses the issues at hand, and so much more,” said Cruz when talking about McKay.

Cruz spoke with excitement as she discussed the events at the show for attendees. She referred to it as a “full rollout” and discussed the opening night on Sunday, called ‘Red, White, and Brew night.’ The night featured a guest appearance by Trace Adkins and Madison Cawthron, with many more. According to Cruz, “everybody who is anybody in the Republican party” showed up. The convention itself started on Monday.

As the conversation continued, Cruz’s tone shifted, and her passion was evident when asked, “Was it emotional when President Trump showed up?”

“It was very emotional to see him after the assassination attempt. He could have chosen not to go, but his strength to show up at the event was remarkable. I cried the day he got shot. I lived through President Reagan getting shot, which was horrifying. President Trump’s presence at the event was historical. He received a standing ovation.”

When asked about her thoughts on the nomination of J.D. Vance for Vice President, Cruz did not hold back, saying, “That is who I wanted him to choose from the beginning.” Amid

speculations about President Trump’s choice, she added, “I am not a Rubio fan, and Burgum is okay, but he should focus on running his state. That’s how I feel.” Cruz continued, “I think J.D. Vance’s youth is an advantage because we will need somebody after these four years. Hopefully, President Trump gets elected into office. That is what we are pushing for. J.D. Vance can continue the ‘Make America Great Again’ agenda. He is America first, and that’s what we need.”

Cruz, as expected from anyone who attended the event, has many outstanding videos and pictures of the days and evenings at the conventions.

Now that Cruz is a resident of Cedar County, it is evident what she is passionate about. When asked how she would bring “Make America Great Again” to Cedar County, her answer was honest. “I do not know, and I am trying to figure it out, but I will figure it out.” Being a lifelong Republican, she has been involved in politics from an early age, often door- knocking for family friends running for office. “I know what I am passionate about and what I stand for. I stand strong on that – for instance, open borders, taking care of everybody else’s people and not our own – and I stand by that. I also stand by taking care of your community, holding your elected officials accountable, and getting involved and taking care of home, and this is now my home.”

Born and raised in California, then living in Arizona and moving from Maui, Cruz admits that Missouri was never on her radar, but she is glad to be here. When asked why Missouri, she explained, “Initially, it was family that brought us to Cedar County, and I am proud we made the move.” Furthermore, she explained, “The community has been great and welcoming to both my husband, Josh, and me.” Speaking of her husband, Josh, he immediately opened his automotive shop, Cruz It Automotive, which specializes in electrical diagnoses and has been successful since its opening in 2023.

Cruz is already making progress in Cedar County by reestablishing the Cedar County Republican Women’s Club. Initially facing low membership, the club was going to give up its charter. She asked the Cedar County Clerk, Heather York, for a brief extension to recruit more members, and the club is currently above what is required for the National Federation of Republican Women. “We are a club in good standing, “Cruz says with excitement.

In conclusion, Cruz shared with even more enthusiasm in her voice, “I feel like you can start small and build things, grow a women’s club, and then grow the party. I would like to see more people join the GOP Cedar County Republican Party.” She continued, “As far as running for office, in Hawaii, I ran for County Council. Here, I would like to run for Alderman

and eventually something higher. Wherever I am needed, I will go, with the help of my husband, because he supports me, always has.”

If you are interested in joining the Cedar County Republican Women’s Club, you can contact Renee Cruz at 417-296-0168, visit the Cedar County Clerk’s office, and ask for Heather York.

Make sure to subscribe to the El Dorado Sun for updates on Cruz’s success and political updates.