Erika Kirk Confirms Turning Point USA’s Backing of JD Vance for 2028
Nov, 29 2025
When Erika Kirk sat down with Megyn Kelly on November 25, 2025, in Glendale, Arizona, she didn’t just talk politics—she talked grief, legacy, and the quiet but deliberate machinery of power. "It’s in the works," Kirk said plainly, referring to Turning Point USA’s planned support for JD Vance’s potential 2028 presidential bid. The statement wasn’t a rumor. It was a torch passed. One of the last conversations her husband, Charlie Kirk, had before his assassination on September 15, 2025, in Orem, Utah, was about Vance. "He was very direct," Kirk told Kelly. "How intentional he was about supporting JD for ‘28."
From Grief to Strategy
Erika Kirk, now 34, didn’t ask to lead Turning Point USA. She was chief operating officer when her husband, the 31-year-old founder, was shot dead while speaking at a campus event. The killing sent shockwaves through conservative circles. Within weeks, she stepped into his role—not as a placeholder, but as a strategist. And she’s moving with purpose. The organization, headquartered in Salem, Virginia, has over 1,800 campus chapters. It’s not just a student group; it’s a political engine. And now, under Kirk’s leadership, it’s pivoting toward the long game. "Let’s start with the midterms," she said, referring to the 2026 elections. "Let’s enjoy the fact that we do have Donald Trump in office. My husband worked really hard to make that happen." That line matters. It’s not just about Vance. It’s about continuity. Charlie Kirk was instrumental in pushing Trump’s 2024 campaign. Now, his widow is ensuring his influence doesn’t vanish with him.The Hug That Sparked Outrage
Not everything about Kirk’s rise has been smooth. A photo from a Turning Point event in October 2025 showed her embracing Vance with what some called a "lingering hug." Critics exploded online, accusing her of inappropriate familiarity. "Whoever is hating on a hug needs a hug themselves," Kirk fired back. "My love language is touch. I put my hand on the back of someone’s head—that’s how I hug." Kelly joked: "They were acting like you touched the back of his a**!" Kirk laughed. "I feel like I wouldn’t get as much hate if I did that!" The moment was absurd, yes—but also revealing. It shows how deeply personal conservative politics has become. A simple gesture, misinterpreted, became a cultural flashpoint. And Kirk, a woman navigating a male-dominated space, is refusing to be silenced by outrage.Vance’s Quiet Campaign
Meanwhile, JD Vance, 39, has been doing the quiet work of a potential nominee. In October 2025, he traveled to the University of Mississippi in Oxford, continuing Charlie Kirk’s tradition of campus speaking tours. He didn’t just show up—he engaged students, fielded tough questions, and subtly signaled his readiness. He also stirred controversy by discussing his wife Usha Vance’s Hindu upbringing. "Most Sundays, Usha will come with me to church," he said. "Do I hope, eventually, that she is somehow moved by the same thing that I was moved by? Yeah, honestly, I do wish that, because I believe in the Christian gospel." The comment drew criticism from interfaith advocates and even some within his own party. But in conservative circles, it reinforced his image as a man of conviction—flawed, perhaps, but authentic.Who’s Backing Vance?
The signs are stacking up. On November 10, 2025, Secretary of State Marco Rubio told Lara Trump on Fox News: "I think JD Vance would be a great nominee... if he decides he wants to do that." That’s not just a compliment—it’s a political signal. Vance himself has been careful. In a November 15, 2025, interview with Fox News, he said: "We will win the midterms, to everything we can, and then after that I’m going to sit down with the president and talk to him about it." That’s code. He’s not declaring. He’s waiting. For Trump’s blessing. For the midterms to play out. For the narrative to solidify. And Turning Point USA? It’s already laying the groundwork. They’re not just supporting Vance—they’re building his brand on college campuses, where the next generation of conservative voters is being shaped.
What Comes Next?
The 2026 midterms are the real test. If Republicans hold the House and gain ground in the Senate, Vance’s momentum will grow. If they lose, his candidacy could stall before it starts. Kirk has made it clear: Turning Point USA won’t jump the gun. They’ll focus on recruiting, training, and mobilizing students through 2026. Then, after the elections, Vance and Trump will meet. That’s when the real conversation begins. There’s no official announcement yet. No campaign website. No fundraising launch. But the pieces are moving. Charlie Kirk’s final wish? It’s now Erika Kirk’s mission.Legacy in Action
Charlie Kirk didn’t just build an organization. He built a movement. And now, his widow is stewarding it—not with tears, but with tactics. The "Prove Me Wrong" tent where he was killed still stands in Orem. It’s now a memorial. But more than that, it’s a symbol. The movement didn’t die with him. It evolved. Vance, Rubio, Trump—they’re all part of a broader network. And Turning Point USA, with its 1,800 chapters, is the nervous system of that network. When students on campuses from Mississippi to Michigan hear Vance speak, they’re not just hearing a politician. They’re hearing Charlie Kirk’s voice through someone else. This isn’t just about 2028. It’s about who controls the conservative future. And right now, Erika Kirk is holding the reins.Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Erika Kirk focusing on the 2026 midterms before 2028?
Erika Kirk is prioritizing the 2026 midterms because conservative momentum hinges on electoral wins before any presidential bid. Turning Point USA’s strategy mirrors historical patterns: building grassroots power first, then leveraging it for national campaigns. If Republicans lose ground in 2026, JD Vance’s 2028 chances weaken significantly. The midterms are the proving ground.
How did Charlie Kirk influence JD Vance’s rise?
Charlie Kirk was instrumental in advocating for JD Vance’s selection as Donald Trump’s 2024 running mate. He publicly praised Vance’s book, "Hillbilly Elegy," and used his platform to elevate Vance’s profile among young conservatives. After Vance’s selection, Kirk’s organization hosted events featuring Vance and helped mobilize campus support, cementing their political alliance before Kirk’s death.
What impact does Turning Point USA have on college campuses?
With over 1,800 active campus chapters, Turning Point USA trains students in conservative messaging, organizes debates, and counters liberal campus activism. It’s one of the largest youth conservative networks in the U.S., shaping political identity before students enter the workforce. Its influence extends beyond votes—it cultivates future leaders, donors, and media voices.
Why did JD Vance’s comments about his wife spark controversy?
Vance’s remarks about hoping his Hindu-raised wife, Usha, would adopt Christianity stirred criticism for appearing to pressure her faith. While many conservatives viewed it as a sincere expression of belief, others saw it as culturally tone-deaf in a diverse America. The backlash highlighted tensions within the GOP between religious authenticity and pluralism.
Is Erika Kirk likely to run for office herself?
There’s no indication Erika Kirk plans to run for public office. Her focus remains on leading Turning Point USA as CEO, a role that gives her outsized influence over the conservative pipeline. She’s positioning herself as a power broker—not a candidate—leveraging her late husband’s legacy to shape the next generation of GOP leaders.
What’s the significance of Vance visiting the University of Mississippi?
Vance’s visit to the University of Mississippi in October 2025 was a direct continuation of Charlie Kirk’s tradition of campus outreach. It signaled that Vance is not just a political figure but a movement figure—willing to engage students in conservative thought, even in historically liberal-leaning or contested environments. These visits build loyalty and visibility ahead of any presidential campaign.