Republicans hope Erika Kirk can bring more young women into the party

As Erika Kirk takes over leadership of Turning Point USA, which was run by her late husband, Charlie Kirk, Republicans hope she can help close the gender gap among young voters.

As Erika Kirk steps into a more public role following the death of her husband, Charlie, conservatives are watching closely to see whether she can expand the reach of Turning Point USA, the organization he co-founded for young conservatives.

Whereas Charlie Kirk’s message resonated with young men, Republicans involved in campaigns hope Erika Kirk can bring in more young women, a demographic Republicans have struggled to win over.

“If Erika could solve this, it is monumental,” said Harlan Hill, a Republican consultant. “It is potentially greater than anything Charlie did. And it’s exactly, I think, what Charlie would have wanted.”

Kirk declined an interview request.

The Republican Party has made some gains among young women voters, but it still faces a daunting picture, with the gap largest among younger voters. President Donald Trump closed his gap among young women from 35 percentage points in 2020 to 23 in 2024, shrinking Democrats’ lead with the group, NBC News exit polls showed.