Erika Kirk, widow of late conservative activist Charlie Kirk, indicated over the weekend that Turning Point USA is “in the works” to support Vice President JD Vance if he decides to run for president in 2028.
According to ABC News, while speaking to Megyn Kelly during her live show in Glendale, Arizona, Kirk said her late husband had been clear about his intentions.
“That was the thing that my husband was very direct about, it was, interestingly enough, one of the last few conversations we had was how intentional he was about supporting JD for 28,” she told Kelly.
Vance has taken on a more prominent role in promoting Turning Point’s message since Charlie Kirk’s death in September.
The 31-year-old Turning Point founder and vocal Trump supporter was shot and killed while speaking on a campus in Orem, Utah, roughly 40 miles south of Salt Lake City.
In the wake of Kirk’s death, Vance has continued his campus tour, delivering remarks and participating in Q&A sessions with students, including a visit to the University of Mississippi in October.
He also hosted an episode of Kirk’s podcast, which featured members of the Trump administration sharing memories of the late activist.
Turning Point’s behind-the-scenes support for a potential Vance presidential bid comes as no surprise to some observers.
Vance has spoken about how Charlie Kirk personally advocated for him as a running mate during the 2024 election cycle, further strengthening his ties to the organization.
Although Vance has not officially launched a campaign for 2028, he told Fox News that his focus remains on his current duties as vice president and the 2026 midterm elections.
“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,” Vance said earlier this month.
Erika Kirk’s comments suggest that Turning Point USA may be positioning itself early to rally conservative grassroots support should Vance decide to enter the race, continuing the late Charlie Kirk’s political legacy.
