Erika Kirk was elected unanimously as the new leader of Turning Point USA.
Erika Kirk, wife of the late political commentator and Turning Point USA (TPUSA) founder Charlie Kirk, was named the CEO and board chair of TPUSA on Sept. 18, just over a week after her husband’s death.
While Charlie Kirk was the face of TPUSA, his wife of four years was heavily involved in the organization and had an outward-facing presence among the group’s supporters.
Charlie Kirk, 31, was assassinated on Sept. 10 while speaking at an event at Utah Valley University, answering an attendee’s question about mass shootings. The longtime political commentator was kicking off his “American Comeback” tour.
Erika’s New Role
Erika Kirk was elected unanimously as the new leader of the organization, which was founded in 2012.
Board members Doug De Groote, Mike Miller, Tom Sodeika, and David Engelhardt wrote in a statement following the announcement: “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.
“In Ecclesiastes, King Solomon wrote that mankind is to be tested by God. Today we are facing such a test, yet we also know that God has prepared us with everything we need to overcome this ordeal.”
They went on to say that their late founder always said, “We have a country to save,” and that he never wanted to 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,” they wrote.
After her husband’s death, and prior to her appointment as the head of the company, Erika Kirk delievered an emotional address on Sept. 12 to pay tribute to her husband.
“Two days ago, my husband, Charlie, went to see the face of his Savior and his God. Charlie always said that when he was gone, he wanted to be remembered for his courage and for his faith,” she said from the studio of The Charlie Kirk Show.
“And one of the final conversations that he had on this Earth, my husband witnessed for his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Now and for all eternity, he will stand at his Savior’s side, wearing the glorious crown of a martyr.”
