Erika Kirk, the widow of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, has endorsed Vice President JD Vance for president in 2028.
Kirk made the announcement on Thursday during Turning Point USA’s annual AmericaFest conference. It was the first AmericaFest held since her husband’s assassination in September.
Announcement at AmericaFest
Kirk is the chairwoman and CEO of Turning Point USA. While on stage, she spoke about her late husband’s connection to Vance.
“We are going to get my husband’s friend, JD Vance, elected for 48 in the most resounding way possible,” Kirk said. The crowd responded with cheers and applause.
Support Has Been Building
The endorsement came weeks after Kirk told commentator Megyn Kelly that Turning Point USA’s backing of a possible Vance 2028 run was already being planned.
She also said one of her final conversations with her husband focused on how “intentional” he was about supporting Vance in the next presidential election.
Vance Has Not Announced a Run
JD Vance is scheduled to speak at AmericaFest on Sunday. He has not formally announced a 2028 presidential campaign.
Last month, Vance told Fox News host Sean Hannity that he wants to focus on the 2026 midterm elections before discussing a possible run for president.
Social Media Reaction and Renewed Speculation
Kirk’s endorsement drew attention online and renewed discussion about a moment from an October Turning Point event honoring her late husband.
At that event, Kirk and Vance shared a close embrace. Kirk also said she sees “some similarities” between Vance and her husband. The moment sparked rumors about their relationship and about Vance’s marriage to his wife, Usha Vance.
Response From Usha Vance and Kirk
Speculation about the Vances’ marriage increased after Usha Vance was seen without her wedding ring last month.
Usha Vance dismissed the talk, calling it a “family joke.” Kirk has said the hug with Vance was taken out of context.
Online Reaction Continues
Despite those explanations, Kirk’s public endorsement of Vance led to another wave of commentary and jokes across social media.
