As the last weeks before Election Day 2024 ramp up, State College has been the site of more election campaigning. While several Democratic governors made a stop in town on Sunday, the week was highlighted by the appearance of former Republican presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy and Democratic congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.

Of course, our photographers were on hand to capture the full experience of both rallies.

Ramaswamy appeared as part of Turning Point USA’s “You’re Being Brainwashed Tour,” which previously appeared on campus in September with Charlie Kirk. Folks lined up outside the Sparks Building more than an hour before doors were set to open to see Ramaswamy. Before doors opened, the lines nearly stretched to West Halls.

While doors opened late for Ramaswamy’s event, the event started on time. Jobob Taelifi, a standup comedian, opened up Ramaswamy’s event with a comedy set.

Ramaswamy showed up at 5:50 p.m. and monologued to a full Sparks 121 for around 20 minutes. He then took questions from the audience for another 40 minutes before wrapping up the event.

Ocasio-Cortez showed up as part of campaign efforts for Kamala Harris and Tim Walz. The congresswoman’s event drew lines down College Avenue well before the doors opened for the event. The event also drew some protestors at the Allen Street Gates.

Doors to the event opened at 5:30 p.m., and the event started around 6:20 p.m., a bit behind schedule.

State College mayor Ezra Nanes opened the event before handing the microphone to two student organizers.

Ocasio-Cortez took the stage around 6:50 p.m. She spoke for around 25 minutes on her policy, experience in politics, and what she saw as the importance of voting in the election before leaving the venue.

More political rallies are expected in the coming weeks, with the “Team Trump Bus Tour” kicking off the action on Tuesday, October 22, at the Acacia fraternity.