Turning Point USA appointed Erika Kirk, widow of assassinated founder Charlie Kirk, as its new CEO and board chair in a unanimous vote on September 18, 2025, honoring his prior wishes expressed to executives. The conservative youth organization, focused on promoting free speech and limited government on campuses, has experienced a surge in interest since Kirk’s fatal shooting on September 10 at Utah Valley University, receiving over 54,000 inquiries to start new chapters—more than double previous records—and rapid local membership growth.
Erika Kirk, who pledged to expand TPUSA significantly in her first public address, assumes leadership amid widespread conservative support and preparations for a major memorial event on September 21 at Arizona’s State Farm Stadium.