The conservative group revealed that Charlie Kirk told multiple executives that he wanted Erika Kirk to take his place if he died.
“Charlie prepared all of us for a moment like this one,” TPUSA’s Board of Directors wrote in a letter dated Wednesday. “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 Turning Point Board has unanimously elected Erika Kirk as the new CEO and Chair of the Board.
In prior discussions, Charlie expressed to multiple executives that this is what he wanted in the event of his death. pic.twitter.com/PazORgiHWP
— Turning Point USA (@TPUSA) September 18, 2025
TPUSA vowed to carry on its founder’s mission, quoting Charlie Kirk’s own words: “We have a country to save.”
Charlie Kirk founded the organization in 2012 and was its figurehead until his death last week. He was shot once in the neck while speaking during an event at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah. He is survived by Erika Kirk and their two young children.
Two days after her husband’s death, Erika Kirk said in a video that the conservative movement will only grow. Her words were mixed with defiance and sorrow.
“May God Bless Erika, the Kirk family, and the entire team at Turning Point USA,” the letter concludes.
CHARLIE KIRK’S WIDOW TELLS AMERICA: ‘YOU HAVE NO IDEA WHAT YOU HAVE UNLEASHED’
The announcement comes ahead of Charlie Kirk’s funeral, scheduled for Sunday in Glendale, Arizona.
President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance will lead the speaker lineup for the memorial service. Four Cabinet officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr., are also set to give remarks in honor of Charlie Kirk.