Turning Point USA announced Thursday that Erika Kirk, widow of Charlie Kirk, has been unanimously elected as the organization’s new CEO and chair of the board following her husband’s assassination earlier this month, as reported [1] by Fox News.
The group confirmed in a statement that the decision followed Charlie Kirk’s expressed wishes. “In prior discussions, Charlie expressed to multiple executives that this is what he wanted in the event of his death,” the organization wrote in a post on X.
Charlie Kirk, founder of Turning Point USA, was shot and killed on September 10 while speaking at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah. He was 31.
In its announcement, the organization praised Kirk’s leadership and said his legacy would guide its future. “It was the honor of our lives to serve as board members at Charlie’s side,” the statement read.
“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’s our great pride to announce Erika Kirk as the new CEO and Chair of the Board for Turning Point USA.”
The board added that it would continue advancing the mission Charlie Kirk championed. “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. The attempt to destroy Charlie’s work will become our chance to make it more powerful and enduring than ever before.”
The announcement concluded, “May God Bless Erika, the Kirk family, and the entire team at 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 [2]
— Turning Point USA (@TPUSA) September 18, 2025 [3]
A public memorial service for Charlie Kirk is scheduled for Sunday, September 21, at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona. President Donald Trump, Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and other prominent leaders are expected to attend and deliver remarks.
The event’s official website describes Kirk’s life as one defined by conviction and service. “Charlie Kirk’s life was a testament to faith, courage, and conviction,” the site reads.
“From his earliest days, he believed America was worth fighting for, and he dedicated every moment of his 31 years to that cause. He lived with eyes fixed on eternity, grounded in the truth of God’s Word, and driven by a calling bigger than himself.”
Turning Point USA, founded by Charlie Kirk in 2012, has grown into one of the country’s largest youth conservative organizations. The board emphasized that under Erika Kirk’s leadership, the group would continue to expand its mission and honor the vision of its late founder.
🚨 BAD NEWS FOR LEFTISTS: Charlie Kirk said his wife Erika is MORE CONSERVATIVE than he is
“By far. It’s not even close. I am a MODERATE compared to Erika.”
The left isn’t ready for what’s coming… 😏🇺🇸
pic.twitter.com/Dqz6GKx5zy [5]— Nick Sortor (@nicksortor) September 18, 2025 [6]