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By Dan Gooding and Gabe Whisnant
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Erika Kirk, the wife of late Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk, has been chosen to lead the organization as its next chief executive officer.
The board announced Thursday that Erika Kirk was unanimously elected CEO and board chair.
"In prior discussions, Charlie expressed to multiple executives that this is what he wanted in the event of his death," TPUSA said on social media.
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Why It Matters
Charlie Kirk founded and led Turning Point USA in 2012, overseeing rapid expansion to have a presence on thousands of college campuses. The conservative movement has roots in Kirk's Christian faith, something his wife has referenced in her public comments since her husband's passing on September 10.
Who is the new CEO of Turning Point USA?
Turning Point USA made the announcement on Kirk's replacement on Thursday, just over a week after he was shot dead at an event he was hosting at Utah Valley University.
"It was the honor of our lives to serve as board members at Charlie's side. Charlie prepared all of us for a moment like this one," TPUSA's board members wrote. "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."
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Erika Kirk has taken on a more public role since her husband's death, appearing in a social media video two days after the shooting in which she said those responsible for Charlie's death had "no idea what you have unleashed across this entire country."
She promised to honor her husband by continuing his work. She has also shared photos and videos of the Kirk family, along with moments from the journey taking Kirk's body from Utah to Arizona, accompanied by Vice President JD Vance and second lady Usha Vance.
Handing TPUSA's leadership over to Kirk's widow, rather than to someone in the existing senior leadership, will likely further cement the promises made by her and many of Kirk's supporters that his work and mission would not diminish in his passing.
When Was Turning Point USA Founded?
TPUSA was founded by Kirk in 2012, when he was 18, as a national student movement dedicated to engaging young people in conservative politics.
The organization grew rapidly over the years, with Kirk and his team hosting rallies and campus events, as well as establishing smaller chapters on various college campuses.
Who Is on the Turning Point USA Board of Directors?
Alongside Erika Kirk will be four other directors. They are:
- David Engelhardt, an attorney and pastor of King's Church in Manhattan
- Doug DeGroote, a certified financial planner and member of the Financial Planning Association
- Tom Sodeika, president and CEO of Precision Payroll of America
What People Are Saying
TPUSA board members, in their statement: "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."
Erika Kirk, on Instagram Friday: "The sound of this widow weeping echos throughout this world like a battle cry. I have no idea what any of this means. But baby I know you do and so does our Lord. They have no idea what they just ignited within this wife. If they thought my husband's mission was big now..you have no idea. You. All of you. Will never. Ever. Forget my husband @charliekirk1776 I'll make sure of it."
What Happens Next
Kirk will be honored at a memorial service in Arizona on Sunday.
This article includes reporting by the Associated Press.
Update 9/18/25, 1:57 p.m. ET: This article was updated with additional information.
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