Turning Point USA CEO Erika Kirk used her remarks Thursday at AmericaFest 2025 to outline what she described as a long-term Republican strategy focused on building durable electoral power across multiple election cycles.
Turning Point USA opened its annual four-day AmericaFest conference at the Phoenix Convention Center, with organizers framing the event as a celebration of faith, freedom, and the legacy of founder Charlie Kirk. Speaking to attendees, Kirk said Republicans are moving away from concentrating solely on individual races and instead investing in state-level infrastructure to secure sustained political control.
Kirk told the crowd that the party is prioritizing key battleground states ahead of the 2026 midterm elections and the 2028 presidential race. She said the strategy relies on strengthening Republican influence in states including Arizona, Nevada, and New Hampshire, which she described as critical to building what she called a “red wall.”
According to Kirk, the goal of the state-focused strategy is to ensure that President Donald Trump maintains congressional support throughout his term. She also expressed confidence in Vice President JD Vance’s political future, saying the effort would help position him for a strong showing in the 2028 election cycle.
“We’re going to ensure that President Trump has Congress for all four years. We are going to get my husband’s friend, JD Vance, elected for 48 in the most resounding way possible.”
Kirk’s remarks came as polling has shown Vance with a narrow advantage in a hypothetical 2028 presidential matchup. An Emerson College poll released in October found Vance leading Democratic California Gov. Gavin Newsom 46% to 45%, with 10% of voters undecided. The results followed earlier Emerson surveys that also showed Vance holding a slight edge, even though neither potential candidate has formally announced a presidential bid.
President Trump previously suggested in August that Vance is “probably favored” to carry forward the MAGA movement in 2028. Trump also floated the possibility of Secretary of State Marco Rubio serving as a potential running mate. In a Fox News interview, Rubio said Vance would be a strong Republican nominee if he chooses to run, describing him as a “great nominee” for the party.
AmericaFest 2025 continues through the weekend with speeches and appearances from conservative leaders, activists, and media figures.
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