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Vice President JD Vance received a significant endorsement for a potential 2028 presidential run from Erika Kirk, widow of assassinated Turning Point USA co-founder Charlie Kirk, during the organization’s America Fest conference in Phoenix.
“We are going to get my husband’s friend JD Vance elected for 48 in the most resounding way possible,” Kirk declared to thousands of conservative activists gathered at the annual event. Her reference to “48” indicates the number of the next U.S. president after Donald Trump’s second term.
Kirk, who assumed leadership of Turning Point following her husband’s murder in September, emphasized the organization’s commitment to building what she called “the red wall” and ensuring Republican congressional majorities throughout Trump’s upcoming term. “We’re going to make sure that President Trump has Congress for all four years,” she stated, pointing to next year’s midterm elections where Republicans will defend their House and Senate majorities.
The endorsement carries substantial weight within conservative circles. Turning Point USA has evolved into an influential force among young conservatives, with its political arm developing a powerful grassroots operation across the country. This backing could provide Vance with a significant advantage should he decide to enter the 2028 presidential race.
A longtime Trump adviser who spoke anonymously to Fox News Digital noted the endorsement wasn’t unexpected, given Charlie Kirk’s previous explicit support for Vance as Trump’s successor. “Last night simply reaffirmed that Turning Point’s entire political machinery will be behind him if he decides to run,” the adviser stated. “It’s another big get for the vice president and a warning shot to other potential candidates.”
The relationship between Vance and Charlie Kirk ran deep. The two were close friends, with Vance often crediting Kirk for his political ascension. Following Kirk’s assassination, Vance demonstrated his respect by flying with Kirk’s casket from Utah, where he was killed, back to Arizona aboard Air Force Two. The vice president also hosted Kirk’s popular podcast as it returned to air following the tragedy.
Though Vance has not made any public statements regarding a potential 2028 presidential campaign, many within the conservative movement view him as President Trump’s natural successor to lead the MAGA movement. This early endorsement from Turning Point’s leadership positions Vance favorably more than three years before the next presidential election cycle begins in earnest.
The vice president is scheduled to address the America Fest conference on Sunday, where he will likely speak to an enthusiastic audience already primed to view him as the future standard-bearer of the conservative movement. His appearance comes during a period of both triumph and tragedy for the conservative movement—celebrating their recent electoral victories while mourning the loss of a significant leader.
The endorsement also signals the continued influence of Turning Point USA even after Charlie Kirk’s death. Under Erika Kirk’s leadership, the organization appears poised to maintain its role as a kingmaker within Republican politics, particularly among younger conservatives who represent the future of the movement.
For potential 2028 Republican presidential hopefuls, this early endorsement represents a significant development in the shadow primary that inevitably begins to take shape even as a new administration prepares to take office. The backing of Turning Point’s extensive network could prove decisive in building the grassroots support necessary for a successful primary campaign.
The vice president is expected to use his America Fest appearance to reinforce the Trump administration’s policy priorities while potentially laying groundwork for his own political future beyond the vice presidency.
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5 Comments
Interesting to see Turning Point endorsing a potential 2028 successor to Trump. Vance is certainly a rising star in the GOP, but it’s early days yet. I’m curious to see how he positions himself over the next few years.
The mining and energy sectors will be keeping a close eye on any 2028 contenders. Their policies on issues like fossil fuels, critical minerals, and environmental regulations could have a big impact. Looking forward to seeing the platforms take shape.
Endorsements this early are more about jockeying for influence than anything else. Voters will ultimately decide if Vance has what it takes to lead the country. I’d encourage people to look beyond the partisan hype and focus on the substance of the candidates’ positions.
Turning Point has certainly become a major force in conservative politics. Their backing could give Vance a boost, but a lot can change between now and 2028. I’ll be interested to see how his views on energy and mining issues evolve over time.
The 2028 race is still a long way off, but this endorsement shows Vance is already positioning himself as a potential successor to Trump. As an investor in mining and energy stocks, I’ll be watching closely to see how the candidates address those sectors.