Erika Kirk, who has assumed leadership of her late husband’s organization, endorsed Vice President JD Vance in the 2028 presidential election during her speech at Turning Point USA’s America Fest annual conference on Thursday night.
“We are going to get my husband’s friend JD Vance elected for four years in the most resounding way possible,” Kirk said.
Vance is scheduled to speak at America Fest on Sunday.
The backing of Turning Point USA, one of the most influential conservative organizations — particularly among young activists and MAGA voters — could provide a major boost to Vance if he seeks the presidency in three years.
Kirk had previously indicated that a Turning Point USA endorsement of Vance was “in the works.” On Thursday night, she solidified her support for Vance and for helping Republicans maintain their majorities in the House and Senate during next year’s midterm elections.
“We are building the red wall,” she said. “We’re going to make sure that President Trump has Congress for all four years” of his current term.
Charlie Kirk was fatally shot at a Turning Point USA event in Utah on September 10. Tyler Robinson, 22, has been charged with state crimes including aggravated murder and has not yet entered a plea. The Justice Department is considering whether to charge Robinson with a federal anti-Christian hate crime.
Vance, currently the overwhelming favorite to win the 2028 GOP presidential nomination, has not yet committed to running for president. However, as vice president, he is widely expected to seek the White House.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that if Vance decides to run, he would step aside and support Vance as his nominee.
“We’ll be one of the first people to back him,” Rubio said.
Kirk made her endorsement in front of a crowd of thousands of ardent Trump supporters who responded with resounding applause.
