In a significant early move for the next US presidential cycle, Erika Kirk, the chief executive of the influential conservative group Turning Point USA (TPUSA), has publicly thrown her support behind Vice President JD Vance for the presidency. This endorsement positions Vance as a leading figure for the Republican nomination in the 2028 election.
America Fest Announcement Signals MAGA Backing
The pivotal endorsement was made during a speech at Turning Point USA's annual America Fest conference, held in Phoenix. Kirk addressed thousands of activists and donors aligned with the Make America Great Again (MAGA) movement at the event. Vice President JD Vance is scheduled to speak at the same gathering on Sunday, following this high-profile show of support.
Kirk, who assumed leadership of TPUSA after her husband and founder Charlie Kirk was killed in September, framed her endorsement in deeply personal terms. She directly linked Vance to her late husband, referring to him as "my husband's friend." Her declaration to the crowd, "We are going to get my husband's friend JD Vance elected for '48 in the most resounding way possible," was met with loud applause from attendees.
Why This Early Endowment Holds Major Weight
The importance of this endorsement stems from Turning Point USA's powerful role within American conservative politics. TPUSA has grown into one of the most potent organisations on the American right, especially among younger voters. It has been instrumental in mobilising grassroots support for former President Donald Trump and shaping the ideological course of the modern conservative movement.
By endorsing Vance this early—referring to the 2028 election ('48)—Kirk and TPUSA are strategically positioning the Vice President as a future successor to Trump's political legacy, rather than a near-term challenger. This gives Vance a considerable head start in consolidating support among the crucial MAGA-aligned voter and donor base, potentially ahead of other Republican hopefuls.
Vance's Stance and the Road to 2028
Despite the high-profile endorsement, JD Vance has not formally announced a presidential run for 2028. He has sought to temper immediate speculation about his ambitions. In comments to the New York Post in October, Vance stated his current focus is on his role as Vice President.
He said, "My attitude is the American people elected me to be vice president. I'm going to work as hard as I can to make the president successful over the next three years and three months, and if we get to a point where something else is in the offer, let's handle it then."
However, political observers widely interpret his rising prominence and such early endorsements as clear indicators that he is laying the groundwork for a future White House bid. The backing from a powerhouse like Turning Point USA, known for its ability to rally young conservatives and its massive event reach, provides Vance with a formidable platform within the Republican ecosystem as the post-2024 political landscape begins to take shape.
