Erika Kirk, widow of the late Turning Point USA co-founder Charlie Kirk, publicly endorsed Vice President JD Vance for the 2028 U.S. presidential election during the pro-right organization’s annual AmericaFest conference in Phoenix on December 18.
Addressing thousands of activists at the Phoenix Convention Center, Erika Kirk declared, “We are going to get my husband’s friend JD Vance elected”, a remark that quickly went viral on social media. She appeared to reference Vance potentially becoming the 48th President of the United States.
Support for Republican Goals
In addition to endorsing Vance, Kirk urged Republicans to retain majorities in the House and Senate in the upcoming midterm elections. “We are building the red wall,” she said, emphasizing the importance of political cohesion to support President Trump’s remaining term.
The endorsement from Turning Point USA, an influential conservative organization popular among young activists and MAGA voters, is seen as a potential boost for Vance should he decide to run for president in 2028.
JD Vance’s Response
JD Vance, who has not publicly declared a presidential bid, told the New York Post in October:
“My attitude is the American people elected me to be vice president. 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.”
The endorsement aligns with prior statements from Erika Kirk, who indicated that a Turning Point USA endorsement of Vance was “in the works.”
Background
Charlie Kirk was tragically assassinated during a Turning Point USA event in Utah on September 10, 2025. Tyler Robinson, 22, has been charged with state offenses, including aggravated murder, and federal hate crime charges are being considered by the Justice Department.
JD Vance is scheduled to speak on the final day of the AmericaFest conference on December 19.
