PHOENIX (AP) — Erika Kirk, the widow of Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk, formally endorsed Vice President JD Vance's potential presidential bid during the opening night of the organization’s annual conference. Speaking to an enthusiastic crowd, she emphasized Turning Point's commitment to maintaining Republican control in Congress and said, "We are going to get my husband’s friend JD Vance elected for 48 in the most resounding way possible."
If elected, Vance would become the 48th president of the United States, following Donald Trump. This endorsement marks a significant moment as Erika Kirk has been positioned as a steward of her late husband’s legacy. Before his assassination in September, Charlie Kirk had established himself as a significant powerbroker and unifier within the conservative movement.
JD Vance had a close relationship with Charlie Kirk, whose support was crucial in aiding Vance's rapid rise in politics. After Charlie Kirk's tragic death, Vance and his wife joined Erika in Utah to accompany her husband's remains back to Arizona via Air Force Two. Vance is scheduled to address the Turning Point conference on the final day, Sunday, highlighting his connection to the organization.
The conference encapsulated the energetic environment that is characteristic of Turning Point USA events, though it has also been overshadowed by noted infighting among conservative commentators and former allies, a phenomenon that has intensified in the wake of Kirk's death. Vance’s position as Trump's vice president places him in a prime spot to inherit the political movement that reshaped the Republican Party and led Trump to two electoral victories.
However, uniting the Trump coalition, which relies more on personal loyalty than shared political objectives, presents a formidable challenge. Various factions within the conservative movement are already positioning themselves to guide the party's future after Trump, creating a dynamic and often contentious atmosphere.
Turning Point, with its extensive network of young volunteers, could prove pivotal for Vance in the competitive primary landscape. At 41, he stands to potentially become the first Millennial president, aligning well with the organization's mission to engage and mobilize youth voters.
Despite constitutional limitations on running for a third consecutive term, Trump has hinted at the possibility of seeking the presidency again in 2028, possibly featuring a ticket that includes Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Although Rubio has previously campaigned for the presidency in 2016, he has expressed his willingness to support Vance as Trump’s successor.
