Turning Point USA’s CEO says organization will work to elect Vance, though he has not formally launched a campaign.
Erika Kirk, CEO of the conservative group Turning Point USA, endorsed Vice President JD Vance for president in 2028 during the organization’s AmericaFest conference, saying they will work to get him elected despite no formal campaign announcement.
Erika Kirk, widow of conservative activist Charlie Kirk and CEO of Turning Point USA, endorsed Vice President JD Vance for president in the 2028 election during a speech at the organization’s AmericaFest conference in Phoenix on Thursday, according to multiple reports.
In front of thousands of attendees, Kirk said the group will work to get her late husband’s friend JD Vance elected president “in the most resounding way possible,” linking his potential candidacy to the movement’s broader goals. The endorsement drew applause from the crowd.
Turning Point USA is a prominent conservative youth organization that has played a role in recent GOP politics and helped elevate figures aligned with the Trump wing of the party. Kirk’s backing underscores the group’s influence among grassroots conservative activists.
Vance, who has served as vice president since 2025 under President Donald Trump, has not formally declared that he will run for president in 2028, and has said he is focused on his current role and the upcoming midterm elections.
Political analysts say early endorsements can signal where influential factions within a party are aligning ahead of primary contests, though they do not guarantee a candidate’s eventual nomination or success. Lawmakers, voters, and potential challengers will be watching as the 2028 race takes shape.
Turning Point USA said it will also focus on key state-level outreach and congressional races as part of its broader strategic efforts leading up to 2028, but further details have not yet been released.
