In the wake of founder Charlie Kirk’s assassination on September 10, Turning Point USA has unanimously elected his widow, Erika Kirk, as the new Chief Executive Officer and Chair of the Board, the organization confirmed on X.
The Turning Point Board has unanimously elected Erika Kirk as the new CEO and Chair of the Board.
In prior discussions, Charlie expressed to multiple executives that this is what he wanted in the event of his death. pic.twitter.com/PazORgiHWP
— Turning Point USA (@TPUSA) September 18, 2025
As The Dallas Express previously reported in “The Rise of a New Leader: Erika Kirk Honors Husband’s Legacy,” Erika used her first public remarks to both grieve and galvanize supporters.
She declared, “The cries of this widow will echo around the world like a battle cry. The movement my husband has built will not die. I refuse to let that happen.”
Carrying Charlie’s Vision
In her address to the nation on September 12, two days after her husband was murdered, Erika spoke of Charlie’s enduring faith and devotion to family: “He wanted to be remembered for his courage and his faith.”
She promised supporters that she would not let his work fade, vowing, “Charlie, I promise I will never let your legacy die. I will make Turning Point USA the biggest thing this nation has ever seen.”
She underscored the wider impact of Charlie’s death on the national stage, warning, “You have no idea what you have unleashed across this entire country. You have no idea the fire you have ignited within this wife.”
And in her most forceful promise yet, Erika concluded, “The movement my husband built will not die … it will become stronger, bolder, louder, and greater than ever.”
Founding Board Member’s Reaction
Founding board member Gary Rabine, chairman and founder of Rabine Group, told The Dallas Express he believes Erika is uniquely suited to lead Turning Point USA.
“I am very excited that Erika is ready to go as CEO, she was the perfect match for Charlie and Charlie knew she was exceptional in every way and would be ready to carry the torch if ever needed.”
“We as friends and supporters of TPUSA, the TPUSA board and Charlie Kirk’s legacy must be conscious of the fact that Erika will also be focused on raising their beautiful children. Her leadership as the CEO will be inspirational and her focus on God & family will be equally impressive and heroic.”
Board’s Statement
The announcement of Erika’s appointment came in a joint board statement signed by members Doug De Groote, Mike Miller, Tom Sodeika, and David Engelhardt. The statement framed the moment as both a trial of faith and a fulfillment of Charlie’s vision:
“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.”
“Charlie prepared all of us for a moment like this one. 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.”
“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.”
What’s Next
Turning Point USA said it will continue to move forward with its programs and events under Erika’s leadership. The board’s unanimous vote reflects Charlie’s own wishes, previously expressed to colleagues, that Erika would take the reins should anything happen to him.
Erika Kirk is stepping into the role of CEO and Chair at a defining moment. With a combination of grief, faith, and resolve, she has pledged to transform personal tragedy into a rallying cry — while the board, including Doug De Groote, Mike Miller, Tom Sodeika, and David Engelhardt, has vowed to ensure Charlie’s legacy becomes “more powerful and enduring than ever before.”