Politics

Turning Point USA Leader Endorses VP Vance for 2028 Presidency

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Dec 19, 2025

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Erika Kirk, the leader of the conservative organization Turning Point USA, endorsed Vice President JD Vance for the 2028 presidential election during a speech on Thursday. The announcement occurred at the group's AmericaFest conference in Phoenix, where Kirk stated the organization would work to get Vance elected. Vance, who is scheduled to speak at the event on Sunday, has not officially declared a presidential candidacy.

Kirk became the CEO of Turning Point after its founder and her husband, Charlie Kirk, was killed in September 2025. The endorsement is seen as significant due to the organization's influence, particularly among younger conservatives. A close friendship reportedly existed between Vance and the late Charlie Kirk. Following his death, Vance was said to have credited Kirk with his own political rise and with helping to staff President Donald Trump's current administration.

While Vance has not committed to running, other political figures have commented on a potential candidacy. In an interview published this week, Secretary of State Marco Rubio reportedly stated he would be one of the first to support Vance. In October, President Trump was said to have referred to Vance and Rubio as "great" options for presidential candidates. Vance stated in an interview last month that his focus was on the vice presidency and the 2026 midterm elections, and that he would discuss a potential 2028 run with the president after those elections.

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• The Vice President has not declared a presidential candidacy. Despite the endorsement from Turning Point USA, Vice President Vance has not officially announced that he is running for president in 2028. He is scheduled to speak at the event where the endorsement was made, but has not committed to a campaign.

• His stated focus remains on his current role and near-term elections. In an interview last month, Vance stated that his priority was the vice presidency and the 2026 midterm elections. This indicates his immediate attention is on his current duties within the administration and the next election cycle, rather than a future presidential bid.

• A decision on a 2028 run will be considered at a later date. Vance has said he will discuss a potential 2028 campaign with President Trump only after the 2026 midterms have concluded. This timeline suggests that any formal decision about running for president is being deferred until after the next major electoral event.

How it may affect me

As a U.S. reader:

• An early endorsement for the 2028 election may shift political and media attention toward a future campaign, potentially drawing focus from more immediate government business.

• Support from an organization influential with younger conservatives could shape the Republican party's long-term policy platform and priorities heading into the 2028 election cycle.

• As a potential presidential candidate, the Vice President's involvement in the 2026 midterm elections may now receive increased national scrutiny by the public and media.

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