Erika Kirk Endorses JD Vance, Shaping 2028 Race Momentum

Updated on Dec - 19 - 2025, 10:51 AM

At the annual Turning Point USA AmericaFest conference in Phoenix, conservative activist Erika Kirk made a high-profile endorsement that is reshaping early conversations about the 2028 U.S. presidential race. Kirk, widow of the late Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk, took the stage before thousands of supporters and publicly backed Vice President JD Vance as the Republican choice for the highest office, signaling strong grassroots momentum for his potential candidacy.

In an impassioned address that intertwined personal conviction with political ambition, Kirk declared, “We are going to get my husband’s friend JD Vance elected for 48,” a clear reference to the goal of Vance becoming the 48th President of the United States. Her remarks drew enthusiastic applause from the crowd, underscoring her influence within conservative circles and the respect Vance commands among key sectors of the MAGA-aligned movement.

The endorsement is notable because Vance has not yet officially declared his intention to run, despite widespread speculation about his future presidential ambitions. As Vice President and a prominent figure within the Republican Party, his political trajectory has been closely watched by activists, donors, and party strategists alike. Kirk’s public support may help crystallize that speculation and encourage momentum among primary voters and conservative organizers at this early stage.

Turning Point USA, known for its strong presence on college campuses and among younger conservative activists, has been a powerful political force, shaping discourse and mobilizing grassroots support for Republican causes. Kirk’s endorsement, therefore, carries weight far beyond a symbolic gesture it could significantly influence early fundraising, volunteer networks, and the ability to build a campaign infrastructure should Vance choose to run.

Analysts say this moment also highlights the ongoing evolution of the Republican Party as it approaches the post-Trump era. With Donald Trump’s presence influencing GOP dynamics but his future role uncertain, endorsements like Kirk’s signal a shift in focus toward rising conservative leaders who can unite various factions. Vance’s intellectual appeal and media profile, combined with organizational backing from groups like TPUSA, position him as a compelling contender in a crowded field of potential candidates.

However, the endorsement also underlines the complex internal politics within the right-wing coalition, where differing visions for the party’s future could shape upcoming contests. Observers note that while Kirk’s support brings early clarity to a potential Vance bid, it also raises expectations and scrutiny, both from within the GOP and among rival Democratic figures watching the landscape ahead of 2028.

As political chatter intensifies, Kirk’s announcement at AmericaFest may be remembered as the opening salvo in what promises to be a defining chapter of American electoral politics.