Turning Point USA entered a new era after its co-founder Charlie Kirk was assassinated earlier this month.
Suspected gunman Tyler James Robinson, 24, is currently in custody charged with the killing which sent shockwaves through the conservative movement and prompted tributes from leading Republicans including US president Donald Trump and vice-president JD Vance.
Since his death, his grieving widow Erika Kirk has been appointed its chief executive officer and chair of the board.
Ahead of his funeral later today, Erika acknowledged the weight of her new position, something her late husband described as his life’s mission.
She described Charlie as ‘the love of my life’ and told supporters that his loss was ‘a grief beyond words’, while vowing to continue his mission.
In a statement announcing her appointment, Turning Point USA’s board said Charlie had previously expressed that Erika should take over in the event of his death.
‘Charlie prepared us for this moment,’ the board wrote, describing her as ‘the natural successor to his work’.
Who is Erika Kirk?
Born Erika Lane Frantzve in Scottsdale, Arizona, on 20 November 1988, she grew up in a Catholic family where charitable work was encouraged.
Her mother involved her in volunteer work at soup kitchens, something that Erika has credited with shaping her values.
Sport was another central plank of her early life. She played basketball at Notre Dame Preparatory High School in Scottsdale, winning awards for sportsmanship and teamwork.
Erika went on to play basketball for Regis University in Denver before transferring to Arizona State University, where she earned a degree in political science and international relations.
She combined her studies with entering beauty pageants, being crowed Miss Arizona USA 2012 on her 23rd birthday, and going on to represent her state at the Miss USA competition.
After her undergrad, she completed a masters in 2017, followed by a doctorate in Christian leadership in 2022.
Alongside this, she launched the nonprofit Everyday Heroes Like You, an organisation that supports grassroots charitable initiatives.
She also created faith-based fashion label Proclaim Streetwear and founded Bible in 365, a ministry project.
Alongside this, she worked in real estate and hosted a faith-oriented podcast called Midweek Rise Up.
How did Charlie and Erika meet?
Erika met Charlie Kirk in New York in 2019 through mutual connections. At the time, Charlie was already well established as a conservative commentator and the head of Turning Point USA which he founded in 2012.
Their relationship developed quickly and they got engaged the following December before tying the knot in May 2021 at a ceremony in Scottsdale, Arizona.
A reception was held at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess hotel, coinciding with Turning Point’s ninth anniversary.
The couple went on to have two children together and lived between Arizona and New York.
As Charlie’s profile grew, Erika became a visible presence at many of his events, often appearing alongside him on stage or in interviews.
Since her husband’s murder, she has spoken of her devastation but also of her determination to continue his work, telling supporters: ‘Charlie gave his life to this cause. I will not let it end here.’
What are Erika’s policies?
While Erika has not yet outlined a detailed political agenda of her own, her public statements and projects indicate that she shares much of her late husband’s outlook.
Her approach to marriage as often interpreted as be a ‘trad wife’ — a term used to describe women who embrace traditional gender roles, placing an emphasis on marriage, motherhood, and homemaking.
Earlier this year, she made a speech calling on listeners to ‘revive biblical womanhood — not the watered-down version the world offers, but the kind forged in fire, rooted in obedience, and patterned after the women who came before us: Esther. Ruth. Deborah. Hannah. Mary.’
For Erika, this has gone hand-in-hand with a strong public commitment to faith and conservative politics.
Her advocacy has focused on issues such as opposition to abortion, the promotion of ‘biblical family values’, and the conviction that American culture must remain rooted in Christianity.
Through her nonprofit and podcast work, she has also highlighted themes of community service, youth mentorship, and mental health.
As she takes on the leadership of Turning Point USA, Erika inherits both its national influence and its controversies.
The group – widely credited for re-electing Trump last year – has been praised by conservatives for energising young voters.
However, it has also faced criticism over allegations of discrimination and its close alignment with partisan politics.
Erika has pledged continuity rather than change, telling supporters that her focus will be on completing the vision Charlie set out.
‘We have a country to save,’ she said in her first address as CEO, echoing one of her late husband’s most familiar phrases.
Her appointment comes at a moment of upheaval for Turning Point USA.
For supporters, she represents a link to the group’s founding vision and a source of continuity after Charlie’s death.
For critics, her rise raises questions about the future direction of an organisation that has been both influential and divisive in American politics.
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