Erika Kirk, widow of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, has pledged Turning Point USA’s support for Vice President JD Vance ahead of the 2028 US presidential election.
She also said the organisation will work to ensure Republicans retain control of Congress in the 2026 midterm elections.
Kirk made the remarks on Thursday at Turning Point USA’s AmericaFest conference in Phoenix, Arizona.
She told supporters that the group remains “mission-focused” despite her husband’s death.
Turning Point USA Targets 2026 and 2028
Kirk, who now serves as chief executive of Turning Point USA, described the moment as emotional.
She recalled that her late husband spoke on the same stage two years earlier.
Due to a technical fault, she delivered her speech without prepared notes.
Still, she stressed that the movement would push forward with renewed energy.
“We are locked in and mission-focused for both 2026 and 2028,” Kirk told the crowd.
She outlined a political strategy that focuses on long-term organising.
According to her, the group will invest in states rather than individual races.
She said Turning Point USA aims to build a “red wall” in key battlegrounds.
She listed Arizona, Nevada, and New Hampshire among the target states.
Erika Kirk Endorses JD Vance for 2028
Kirk drew loud applause when she publicly endorsed Vice President JD Vance.
“We are going to get my husband’s friend JD Vance elected for ’28 in the most resounding way possible,” she said.
The statement marked one of the earliest public endorsements for the next election cycle.
Political observers say it adds momentum to early post-Trump discussions.
Turning Point USA Highlights Growth
Kirk also highlighted the group’s growth since her husband’s death.
She said many attendees at AmericaFest were first-time participants.
Students made up a large portion of the crowd, she added.
Women accounted for more than half of those present.
According to Kirk, Turning Point USA now engages over one million students nationwide.
She said the organisation continues to expand campus chapters.
Kirk also announced plans to revive debate-focused programmes.
These include new “Pick Up the Mic” initiatives.
She also promised more “Prove Me Wrong” events on campuses.
Kirk urged supporters to honour her husband’s legacy through action.
She said victory in 2026 and 2028 remains the group’s main goal.
