Erika Kirk endorses JD Vance for 2028 presidency at AmericaFest, raising eyebrows

Erika Kirk, chairwoman and chief executive of Turning Point USA and the widow of Charlie Kirk, endorsed Vice President JD Vance for president on Thursday during the organization's AmericaFest conference, the first such endorsement since her husband's assassination in September. “We are going to get my husband’s friend, JD Vance, elected for 48 in the most resounding way possible,” Kirk said to cheers from the audience.

Her endorsement followed a public hint about Turning Point USA's support for a possible Vance 2028 campaign. Nearly a month earlier, she told right-wing commentator Megyn Kelly that the group’s backing for a 2028 bid was “in the works.” Kirk also noted that one of her last conversations with Charlie Kirk concerned how “intentional” he was about backing Vance in the next presidential election.

Vance, who is scheduled to speak at AmericaFest on Sunday, has not announced a 2028 bid. He told Fox News’ Sean Hannity last month that, for now, he wants to focus on this year’s midterms before discussing a possible run. The endorsement comes as GOP talk about a 2028 lineup continues to intensify, with Vance viewed by some conservatives as a potential pairing with other prominent right-leaning figures.

Kirk's endorsement drew online reaction and revived chatter about a potential alignment at a Turning Point event honoring her late husband in October, where a tight hug between Erika Kirk and Vance circulated on social media. The moment, coupled with Kirk’s remark about similarities she sees between her late husband and Vance, fueled speculation about their relationship and about Vance's marriage to his wife, Usha Vance.

Usha Vance has dismissed the gossip as a “family joke,” while Kirk argued that the hug was taken out of context. Still, the episode underscored the close ties between Turning Point USA's leadership and a potential 2028 bid, illustrating how personal narratives are increasingly intertwined with political maneuvering among prominent conservative actors.

Across the conservative base, AmericaFest remains a focal point for fundraising, messaging, and candidate signaling. Erika Kirk's rise within Turning Point USA, paired with her high-profile endorsement, signals the extent to which the organization is willing to shape the early stages of a possible 2028 contest. Vance’s own comments to date suggest he remains selective about announcing a campaign, emphasizing a focus on the 2024 midterms and other priorities before entering the presidential arena. The episode highlights how the deaths and personal stories surrounding political figures can influence endorsements and public perception as the party contemplates its post-2024 roadmap.