Erika Kirk — widow of conservative activist Charlie Kirk and now CEO of Turning Point USA — reportedly revealed this week that discussions about backing Vice President JD Vance for a potential 2028 presidential run are quietly underway.
Appearing on SiriusXM’s The Megyn Kelly Channel, Kirk shared that one of her final conversations with her husband before his assassination in Utah centered on his desire to support Vance in the next presidential cycle.
“One of the last conversations we had was about how intentional he was about supporting JD for ’28,” she told Kelly.
But Kirk made clear that Turning Point USA remains focused on the 2026 midterms, not 2028 — and that conservatives should appreciate the victory already secured.
“Let’s start with the midterms before we start jumping to ’28,” she said. “And let’s enjoy the fact that we do have Donald Trump in office, and we worked really hard to make that happen — my husband did.”
The comments follow Kirk’s emotional tribute to Vance at an October Turning Point event after her husband’s death. Onstage, she said she saw similarities between Charlie and the vice president, calling Vance a blessing during a difficult time.
“No one will ever replace my husband,” she said. “But I do see some similarities of my husband in JD — in Vice President JD Vance.”
Their warm embrace following her introduction drew online speculation because of their hand placement — Vance’s hand on her waist and hers on his head. Kirk dismissed the criticism as unserious.
“Whoever is hating on a hug needs a hug themselves,” she told Kelly. “My love language is touch.”
Charlie Kirk was an early, outspoken advocate for JD Vance becoming Trump’s running mate, long before the 2024 campaign solidified. The two remained close allies, united by their populist, America First worldview.
Both Trump and Vance delivered remarks at Kirk’s funeral in Arizona earlier this year, underscoring the depth of their relationship.
JD Vance, for his part, has indicated he’s laser-focused on helping Republicans dominate in 2026 before having any serious conversation about a presidential run.
“We will win the midterms, do everything we can, and then after that I’m going to sit down with the president and talk to him about it,” he told Fox News earlier this month.
President Trump himself acknowledged over the summer that Vance is widely viewed as the heir apparent to the MAGA movement.
“Well, I think that’s most likely,” Trump said when asked whether Vance is the natural successor. “In all fairness, he’s the vice president.”
Though 2028 remains years away, Erika Kirk’s comments reflect a broader sentiment inside the conservative grassroots: JD Vance is emerging as the leading figure to carry forward the America First agenda long after Trump leaves office.
For now, however, both Vance and TPUSA say winning the upcoming midterms is the priority, and the future will sort itself out afterward.
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