Turning Point USA announced on Thursday that it has unanimously elected Charlie Kirk‘s wife, Erika, as the new CEO and board chair following the conservative activist’s death.
The conservative group revealed Kirk told multiple executives that he wanted Erika to take his place if he died.
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“Charlie prepared all of us for a moment like this one,” TPUSA’s Board of Directors wrote in a letter dated Wednesday. “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.”
TPUSA vowed to carry on its founder’s mission, quoting Kirk’s own words: “We have a country to save.”
Kirk founded the organization in 2012 and was its figurehead until his death last week. He was shot once in the neck while speaking during an event at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah. Kirk was survived by Erika and their two young children.
Two days after her husband’s death, Erika Kirk said in a video that the conservative movement will only grow. Her words were mixed with defiance and sorrow.
“May God Bless Erika, the Kirk family, and the entire team at Turning Point USA,” the letter concluded.
CHARLIE KIRK’S WIDOW TELLS AMERICA: ‘YOU HAVE NO IDEA WHAT YOU HAVE UNLEASHED’
The announcement comes ahead of Kirk’s funeral, scheduled for Sunday in Glendale, Arizona.
President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance will lead the speaker lineup for Kirk’s memorial service. Four Cabinet officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr., are also set to give remarks in honor of Kirk.