Erika Kirk endorses JD Vance for president in 2028

The widow of Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk threw the organization's support behind the vice president, who has not yet announced his 2028 plans.

PHOENIX — Erika Kirk, widow of assassinated Turning Point USA co-founder Charlie Kirk, endorsed Vice President JD Vance in the 2028 presidential election in a speech opening the group's America Fest annual conference Thursday night.

"We are going to get my husband’s friend JD Vance elected" in 2028, she told thousands of activists at the Phoenix Convention Center. The end of Kirk's statement was drowned out by cheers for the endorsement.

The backing of Turning Point USA, one of the most influential conservative organizations — particularly among young activists and MAGA voters — could provide a major boost to Vance if he seeks the presidency in three years.

Add NBC News to GoogleTrump posthumously awards Charlie Kirk Presidential Medal of Freedom01:27Kirk, who took over as head of her late husband's organization, had previously said a Turning Point USA endorsement of Vance was "in the works." On Thursday night, she put a fine point on her support for Vance and for helping Republicans try to hold their majorities in the House and the Senate in next year's midterm elections.

"We are building the red wall," she said. "We’re going to make sure that President Trump has Congress for all four years" of his current term.