Updated - America Rises - The Phoenix Soars Summit - A closer look

Buckle up, Virginia patriots! On June 7, 2025, the Virginia Tea Party (VATP) is hosting a summer event that’s equal parts revival meeting, policy wonk-fest, and conservative pep rally at the Richmond Airport Sheraton Hotel. The “America Rises: Phoenix Soars” Summer Summit is set to ignite the crowd with a lineup of conservative firebrands, a nod to the mythical phoenix rising from the ashes, and a celebration of America’s comeback under a Trump presidency. Picture a room packed with like-minded conservatives, buzzing with optimism about DOGE cuts, border security, and ballot chasing, all while dodging the specter of a “Democrat dystopia.” Here’s the lowdown on this can’t-miss event, as hyped by the VATP’s dynamic duo, “Buddy” and Nelson.

The Vibe: Phoenix Rising, America Soaring

The summit’s theme is a love letter to resilience. After dodging a “Kamala Harris bullet” (per Buddy), America’s phoenix is soaring, and Virginia’s ready to join the flight. Four months into Trump’s term, the speakers claim gas prices are down, borders are tighter, and the nation’s back on the global stage. But Virginia? It’s “do or die” time, with the 2025 elections looming. The VATP’s mission: rally the troops, arm them with strategies, and keep the Old Dominion from turning into an “East Coast California.”

The Lineup: A Conservative Dream Team

This summit’s speaker roster is like a conservative Avengers squad, each bringing their own superpowers to the stage. Here’s who’s ready to rock the Sheraton:

Ned Ryan, American Majority Founder: The messaging maestro and Fox News regular, Ned’s been a Tea Party wingman since 2009. As CEO of American Majority, he’s trained thousands of activists to flip swing states red. His talk on election strategy and “ballot chasing” (think Florida’s red wave miracle) will have candidates and GOP chairs scribbling notes. Fun fact: Ned’s a history buff who once penned columns for The Federalist. Expect sharp insights delivered with a storyteller’s charm that sticks like glue.

Nicholas Softy, FAIR Virginia Field Rep: Don’t let the name fool you—Softy’s a hardliner on immigration. Representing the Federation for American Immigration Reform (FAIR), he’s pushing for secure borders and no-nonsense vetting. Working with Virginia’s Youngkin administration and border czar Tom Holman, Softy’s here to detail how the Commonwealth can stop “subsidizing foreign invasions.” New to the VATP stage, he’s got Buddy and Nelson intrigued and ready to grill him on FAIR’s game plan.

Sandra J. Adams, Author of Government: Servant or Master?: The “John the Baptist of DOGE,” Adams is a fiscal hawk who was railing against government waste before Elon’s DOGE crew made it cool. Her book’s getting a 2025 glow-up, tying her research to Trump’s budget-slashing agenda. She’s been cozying up to government officials, sniffing out “money laundering” (a.k.a. abuse), and might just jump back into the fray. Expect a fiery update that calls out Congress for dragging its feet on codifying DOGE’s wins.

Mark Mix, National Right to Work President: This media darling (think Wall Street Journal and Newsweek) is Virginia’s shield against union mandates. As head of the National Right to Work Committee, Mix is sounding the alarm on Democrat plots to kill Virginia’s right-to-work laws, which he says would tank the economy and fund “leftist causes.” With Spanberger dodging the issue, Mix’s talk is a wake-up call for Virginians who don’t want to be forced into unions. Bonus: his media chops promise a polished, punchy delivery.

John Reed, GOP Lieutenant Governor Candidate: A radio and TV veteran turned political fighter, Reed’s the summit’s hometown hero. With a pedigree tied to Reagan and George Allen, plus a dad who served in the state senate, Reed’s got politics in his blood. He’s a “think, speak, act” triple threat, known for his personable vibe and no-BS approach. He’s very much a team player who’ll back Winsome Sears and keep Virginia red. Nelson’s betting Reed’s charisma will make him as memorable as the Marine-turned-LG herself.

The Buzz: Strategy, Sponsors, and a Call to Arms

Beyond the speeches, the summit’s a strategic huddle. Ned’s ballot-chasing tips could turn Virginia’s 34% GOP base into a voting juggernaut, especially with 29% independents up for grabs. The speakers are also laser-focused on 2025’s elections—John Reed’s LG bid is a linchpin to block a Spanberger-led “hot knife through butter” Democrat takeover. Sponsors like American Majority, Virginia Council, and Americans for Prosperity are bankrolling the bash, with their tables turning the hallway into a “mini summit” of networking and intel-swapping.

Why It Matters: Virginia’s Do-or-Die Moment

Buddy and Nelson aren’t mincing words: Virginia’s at a crossroads. A Democrat win could mean unions, open borders, and skyrocketing costs, while a GOP sweep (with Reed at the helm) keeps the phoenix soaring. The summit’s a rallying cry to vote, strategize, and fight for a Golden Age where Virginia shines. So, grab your tickets (even VATP brass like Nelson have to pony up!), mingle with like-minded patriots, and join the charge. As Buddy puts it, “God help Virginia” if the Dems win—so let’s make sure they don’t.

Get your tickets at vatp.org and soar with the phoenix on June 7th!

https://vatp.org