Turning Point USA CEO Erika Kirk told attendees at America Fest 2025 in Phoenix, Arizona, that the organization is already focused [1] on upcoming election cycles, including the 2026 midterms and the 2028 presidential election, which she said will be a central priority for the group’s political arm.
Speaking to a crowd of conservative activists and students, Kirk said Turning Point Action, the organization’s elections-focused division, is actively preparing for future races and investing in long-term infrastructure rather than individual campaigns.
Kirk said Turning Point Action is “locked in and mission-focused for both 2026 and 2028,” emphasizing a strategy centered on strengthening conservative support in key states.
“We are investing in states, and not just in races. So what I mean by that is we are building the red wall. Arizona, Nevada, New Hampshire. That’s going to be very important to us,” Kirk said.
She also outlined the organization’s goals for congressional control, stating that the group intends to play a role in supporting President Donald Trump’s legislative agenda by working to maintain Republican majorities on Capitol Hill.
“We’re going to ensure that President Trump has Congress for all four years,” Kirk said.
During her remarks, Kirk also spoke about the 2028 presidential election, referencing Vice President J.D. Vance and indicating that Turning Point Action plans to be heavily involved in that race.
“And. We are going to get my husband’s friend JD Vance elected for 48 in the most resounding way possible,” she said.
ERIKA KIRK: “We are going to get my husband’s friend JD Vance elected for 48 in the most resounding way possible.” pic.twitter.com/muAXHbUVKa [2]
— Fox News (@FoxNews) December 19, 2025 [3]
Kirk’s comments came during a broader speech focused on grassroots engagement and the role of young conservatives in shaping future elections.
She highlighted Turning Point USA’s mission to recruit, train, and empower students and young activists across the country.
“There are so many ways to get involved. That’s why Charlie built Turning Point USA the way he did,” Kirk said, referring to TPUSA founder Charlie Kirk.
“He didn’t care your race, your age, your background.”
Kirk described the early skepticism surrounding the organization’s founding and said its success was rooted in ignoring critics who doubted the influence of younger activists.
“If Charlie listened to every single person that told him, you’re too young to make a difference, you don’t have enough connections, you’re not going to do it, he would have let that noise consume him, and he would not have built the machine that he has built today,” she said.
She urged attendees not to allow similar criticism to discourage them from political involvement.
“So don’t you dare let anyone tell you you’re too young, you’re not smart enough, or you’re not connected enough. As long as you’re a part of Turning Point USA, we will empower you and give whatever you need to be able to make that come to life,” Kirk said.
ERIKA KIRK: “Don’t you dare let anyone tell you you’re too young, you’re not smart enough and you’re not connected enough.”@MrsErikaKirk [4] live at AmFest 2025 pic.twitter.com/JS9cYCfCa0 [5]
— Turning Point USA (@TPUSA) December 19, 2025 [6]
In the latter portion of her remarks, Kirk reflected on Charlie Kirk’s leadership style and his role in connecting younger generations with conservative politics.
She described him as more than a public speaker or commentator.
“Charlie wasn’t just a speaker. He wasn’t just a political thinker. He wasn’t just a thought leader. Again, he was a bridge. He was a pathway. He was a connection point to generations,” she said.
Kirk said his approach focused on communication and engagement with young Americans who she said have often been dismissed or discouraged in the political process.
“He was a pathway and connection point to communication, to inner politics,” she said.
“And he also looked at a generation that has been mocked, that has been dismissed, that has been discouraged, and told them, you matter, your ideas matter, your decisions matter.”
She concluded by relaying a message she said has been central to Turning Point USA’s mission since its founding.
“And he would say this country is still worth defending and still worth sacrificing for,” Kirk said.
America Fest 2025 brought together conservative activists, elected officials, media figures, and students from across the country.
The annual event has become one of the largest gatherings organized by Turning Point USA, serving as a platform for outlining policy priorities, campaign strategies, and long-term political goals.
Kirk’s remarks underscored Turning Point USA’s intention to remain active in national elections beyond 2024, with an emphasis on state-level organization, youth engagement, and preparation for future presidential contests.