In her first major political move since assuming leadership of Turning Point USA, Erika Kirk announced on December 18, 2025 she is backing Vice President JD Vance for president in 2028, per a report by Politico.
Turning Point USA CEO Erika Kirk delivered a powerful endorsement of Vice President JD Vance for the 2028 presidential race, providing the likely Republican frontrunner with crucial early support from one of the conservative movement’s most influential organizations.
Kirk, who assumed control of Turning Point following the September death of her husband Charlie, revealed her decision Thursday during remarks at the organization’s America Fest conference in Phoenix.
Vance is set to address the conference on December 21.
“We are going to get my husband’s friend JD Vance elected for 48 in the most resounding way possible,” Kirk told the audience.
While Vance has not formally declared his intention to pursue the presidency in 2028, his position as vice president makes him the overwhelming favorite to seek the White House. TPUSA, the organization Charlie Kirk established, wields substantial influence within the MAGA movement and commands particular loyalty among young conservatives. The early endorsement could provide Vance with a significant advantage over other Republican contenders.
“My attitude is the American people elected me to be vice president,” Vance told the New York Post in October. “I’m going to work as hard as I can to make the president successful over the next three years and three months, and if we get to a point where something else is in the offer, let’s handle it then.”
Kirk announced her support before a crowd numbering in the thousands, many of whom count themselves as devoted followers of President Donald Trump. The gathering responded with thunderous applause.
Vance and Charlie Kirk shared an especially close relationship before Kirk’s unexpected passing. The bond between the two conservative leaders appears to have influenced Erika Kirk’s decision to offer her endorsement at this early stage of the election cycle.
The backing from Turning Point USA represents more than symbolic support. The organization has developed into a formidable force in conservative politics, particularly effective at mobilizing younger voters and grassroots activists who form the backbone of the MAGA coalition. Erika Kirk’s leadership position gives her considerable sway over this energized segment of the Republican base.
By securing this endorsement nearly three years before the election, Vance positions himself as the candidate to beat in what promises to be a competitive Republican primary. Other potential candidates will now face the challenge of building comparable support among the influential networks that Turning Point USA has cultivated across the country.
Political observers note that early endorsements from major conservative organizations can create momentum that becomes difficult for rivals to overcome. Kirk’s public declaration of support sends a clear message to donors, activists, and other Republican leaders about where the MAGA movement’s institutional power may concentrate in 2028.
As vice president, Vance maintains his focus on the current administration’s agenda while the groundwork for his potential campaign builds around him. The endorsement from Kirk and Turning Point USA suggests that when Vance does decide to officially enter the race, he will command formidable organizational support from day one.
