Turning Point USA, a powerhouse in conservative youth activism, is making headlines once again—this time for signaling early support for Vice President J.D. Vance as a potential presidential candidate in 2028. The announcement, delivered by Erika Kirk during a recent appearance on the Megyn Kelly Channel, has set off a new wave of speculation about the Republican Party’s future leadership and the evolving role of Turning Point USA in shaping it.
Erika Kirk, who stepped into the role of CEO after the tragic assassination of her husband and Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk earlier this year at Utah Valley University, has become a prominent voice in the conservative movement almost overnight. As she explained to Megyn Kelly, the organization’s support for Vance is not a spur-of-the-moment decision. In fact, she revealed that one of her final conversations with Charlie Kirk had centered on their shared intention to back Vance for a presidential run in 2028. According to The Hill, Erika recounted, “how intentional he was about supporting JD for ’28.’”
However, Erika was quick to temper any rush toward 2028, reminding listeners that the immediate priority remains the upcoming midterm elections. “Let’s start with the midterms before we start jumping to ’28,” she said on Megyn Kelly’s show. “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.” Her remarks echoed a broader sentiment within the conservative movement: while eyes are on the future, there’s still plenty of work to do in the present.
The organization’s early endorsement, though, is already making waves. Turning Point USA wields significant influence among young conservatives, and an official nod from its leadership could carry real weight in the Republican primaries. Erika’s support for Vance comes at a time when the vice president’s profile is steadily rising, and the GOP is contemplating its next generation of leaders.
The conversation about Vance’s political future isn’t limited to Turning Point USA. Earlier this year, Secretary of State Marco Rubio openly praised Vance’s credentials and viability as a presidential contender. During an interview with Lara Trump, Rubio said, “Well, I think JD Vance would be a great nominee ... if he decides he wants to do that. And so ... I think he’s doing a great job as vice president. He’s a close friend, and I hope he intends to do it.” Rubio’s comments, reported by The Hill, have only fueled further speculation about Vance’s ambitions and the party’s direction.
For his part, J.D. Vance has remained focused on the task at hand. Earlier in November 2025, he told reporters, “So we’re going to win the midterms, we’re going to do everything that we can to win the midterms, and then after that, I’m going to sit down with the president of the United States and talk to him about it.” Vance’s statement, as noted by The Hill, suggests that while he’s aware of the growing calls for his candidacy, he’s determined not to get ahead of himself—or the party.
But Turning Point USA’s endorsement wasn’t the only reason Erika Kirk has been in the spotlight. In October 2025, a Turning Point campaign event became the subject of viral internet scrutiny after Erika gave J.D. Vance an intense hug on stage. The embrace, which included Kirk placing her hand on the back of Vance’s head, quickly spread across social media, with users dissecting the body language and questioning the “appropriateness” of the gesture. Some critics accused the pair of crossing professional boundaries, while others defended the moment as an expression of camaraderie and shared purpose.
When pressed about the viral moment by Megyn Kelly during a live show in Glendale, Arizona, Kirk responded candidly. She explained that the hug was simply her “love language” and a reflection of her emotional connection to both her late husband and Vance. Erika also spoke about the similarities she sees between Charlie Kirk and J.D. Vance—both in their political convictions and their personal qualities. According to The Hill, she emphasized that the embrace was nothing more than a gesture of support and mutual respect.
The incident has sparked a broader conversation about the scrutiny faced by women in leadership—especially those thrust into the limelight by tragedy. Erika, a mother of two, has faced her share of online trolling and criticism since taking over as CEO. Yet she’s remained steadfast, using her platform to advance the causes she and her late husband championed. Her willingness to address the controversy head-on has drawn praise from supporters who see her as a symbol of resilience and authenticity in a political landscape often marred by cynicism.
Turning Point USA’s backing of Vance for 2028 is significant for several reasons. The organization has long been a training ground and launching pad for conservative activists and politicians, boasting a vast network of college chapters and a formidable social media presence. Its endorsement signals to the GOP establishment and grassroots alike that Vance is someone to watch—and perhaps the heir apparent to the current conservative leadership.
The assassination of Charlie Kirk earlier this year sent shockwaves through the movement. His death at an event in Utah Valley University was a devastating blow, but Erika’s swift ascension to CEO has ensured that the organization’s mission continues. In many ways, her public support for Vance is a continuation of Charlie’s vision, as she herself has said. The fact that this transition has happened so publicly—and under such scrutiny—underscores the high stakes and emotional weight involved.
As the 2024 midterms approach, the Republican Party finds itself at a crossroads. With Donald Trump back in the White House, the party’s base remains energized, but questions about succession and the next generation of leadership loom large. Turning Point USA’s early endorsement of Vance is both a signal and a challenge: a signal that the movement is looking beyond the current administration, and a challenge to other potential contenders to step up and define their own visions for the party’s future.
For now, both Erika Kirk and J.D. Vance are keeping their focus on the immediate political battles. But the groundwork is clearly being laid for 2028—and with Turning Point USA in his corner, Vance’s potential candidacy is likely to be a central storyline in the years to come. The embrace on stage may have been just a fleeting moment, but it captured the intensity, loyalty, and personal connections that continue to shape the conservative movement in America.
As the dust settles from recent controversies and the party gears up for the midterms, all eyes will remain on Erika Kirk, J.D. Vance, and the evolving role of Turning Point USA in the Republican Party’s future. Whether or not Vance ultimately decides to run, one thing is clear: the next chapter of conservative leadership is already being written, and its authors are not waiting for permission to begin.
