PHOENIX — Erika Kirk, widow of assassinated Turning Point USA co-founder Charlie Kirk, endorsed Vice President JD Vance in the 2028 presidential election in a speech opening the group's America Fest annual conference Thursday night.
"We are going to get my husband’s friend JD Vance elected" in 2028, she told thousands of activists at the Phoenix Convention Center. The end of Kirk's statement was drowned out by cheers for the endorsement.
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, who took over as head of her late husband's organization, had previously said a Turning Point USA endorsement of Vance was "in the works." On Thursday night, she put a fine point on her support for Vance and for helping Republicans try to hold their majorities in the House and the Senate in 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 assassinated at a Turning Point USA event in Utah on Sept. 10. Tyler Robinson, 22, has been charged with state crimes, including aggravated murder. He has not yet entered a plea. The Justice Department, NBC News first reported, is considering whether to try to charge Robinson with a federal anti-Christian hate crime.
Vance, who was close to Kirk, is scheduled to speak Sunday on the closing day of the America Fest conference.
