Turning Point USA announced Thursday that Erika Kirk, widow of founder Charlie Kirk, will serve as the organization’s new CEO and chair of the board.
The decision came in a unanimous vote by the board, fulfilling Charlie Kirk’s wishes that his wife inherit his role in the event of his death.
Charlie Kirk, remembered as one of the most influential conservative voices of his generation, was assassinated last week during an appearance at Utah Valley University.
The 30-year-old activist founded Turning Point USA in 2012, growing it into a nonprofit with more than 3,500 chapters in schools, over 2,000 student groups, and more than 800 faith-based organizations nationwide.
In a joint statement, the board praised Kirk’s leadership and expressed confidence in Erika’s ability to carry on his mission. “It was the honor of our lives to serve as board members at Charlie’s side. Charlie prepared all of us for a moment like this one. He worked tirelessly to ensure Turning Point USA was built to survive even the greatest tests. And now, it is our great pride to announce Erika Kirk as the new CEO and Chair of the Board for Turning Point USA.”
The statement continued, “All of us at Turning Point USA have a special role in carrying Charlie Kirk’s mantle and completing his vision of bringing us all closer to our Lord and fostering a prosperous country for generations to come. As Charlie always said, ‘We have a country to save.’ We will not surrender or kneel before evil. We will carry on.”
Erika Kirk, who married Charlie in 2021, has been outspoken in the days following her husband’s assassination. She shared a series of emotional videos and images, including one of her at Kirk’s casket where she clasped his hands and told him she loved him.
In a speech Friday, she vowed that her husband’s movement would only grow stronger.
“The evildoers responsible for my husband’s assassination have no idea what they have done,” she said. “They killed Charlie because he preached a message of patriotism, faith, and of God’s merciful love. They should all know this. If you thought that my husband’s mission was powerful before, you have no idea. You have no idea what you just have unleashed across this entire country and this world.”
Turning Point USA says it has seen an outpouring of support since Kirk’s death, including 54,000 inquiries to start new chapters. A memorial service is planned for Sunday, Sept. 21. Charlie Kirk is survived by Erika and their two young children, ages three and one.