Erika Kirk — the widow of beloved conservative leader Charlie Kirk — is giving Americans a clearer picture of where her family stands heading into the 2028 presidential race. In a revealing conversation on SiriusXM’s “The Megyn Kelly Channel,” Kirk confirmed that early efforts to support Vice President JD Vance for a potential 2028 campaign are already “in the works,” signaling a major development inside the America First movement.
Kirk explained that one of her final conversations with her husband centered on his strong desire to back JD Vance for 2028. She described how “intentional” he was about ensuring the conservative movement continued with leaders fully committed to President Trump’s America First vision.
At the same time, she stressed that her immediate mission as the new CEO of Turning Point USA is to focus on winning the 2026 midterm elections, securing Congress, and strengthening the conservative agenda.
“Let’s start with the midterms before we jump to 2028,” she said. “And let’s appreciate that we do have President Trump back in office. My husband worked tirelessly to make that happen.”
Erika Kirk: JD Vance Resembles Charlie Kirk’s Conservative Strength
Kirk’s early enthusiasm for JD Vance reflects comments she made shortly after Charlie’s tragic assassination in Utah last fall. Speaking to a Turning Point USA audience in October, she delivered one of the most emotional tributes of the year.
“No one will ever replace my husband,” she said. “But I do see similarities between Charlie and Vice President JD Vance — their conviction, their heart, their willingness to fight for this country.”
Her remarks were followed by an onstage embrace between Kirk and Vance, which drew predictable online criticism. When Megyn Kelly asked about the moment, Kirk responded with humility and confidence.
“Anyone criticizing a hug probably needs one themselves,” she said. “My love language is touch. I’m happy to give anyone a hug who needs one.”
Her warmth resonated strongly with conservative audiences, many of whom viewed the moment as a sign of unity within the movement.
Charlie Kirk had been one of the earliest and most vocal supporters of JD Vance as Trump’s running mate, and the two men remained close allies. Both President Trump and Vice President Vance delivered touching remarks at Charlie’s funeral in Arizona earlier this year — a testament to the impact Kirk had on the conservative world.
Will JD Vance Run in 2028? What the Vice President Says Now
Despite rising enthusiasm from grassroots conservatives and the Kirk family, JD Vance has not officially committed to a 2028 presidential run. However, he has made it clear that he plans to have a serious conversation with President Trump after the 2026 midterms.
“We’re going to win the midterms first,” Vance told Fox News. “After that, I’ll sit down with the president and talk about it.”
President Trump has also hinted that Vance is the natural heir to the America First movement, telling reporters:
“I think that’s most likely. In all fairness — he is the vice president.”
With support from the Kirk family, strong grassroots enthusiasm, and President Trump’s confidence behind him, JD Vance is increasingly viewed as the leading conservative figure to carry the movement into 2028.
Bottom Line
The conservative movement is already thinking ahead — and Erika Kirk’s comments are a significant milestone. While the primary focus remains the 2026 midterms, her family’s early signal toward supporting JD Vance in 2028 shows where many America First leaders believe the future is headed.