What to Know About Erika Kirk, Widow of Charlie Kirk and New CEO of TPUSA

This article was originally published
by The Epoch Times: What to Know About Erika Kirk, Widow of Charlie Kirk and New CEO of TPUSA

Erika Kirk has been unanimously appointed as the new leader of Turning Point USA (TPUSA), stepping into a role that follows a significant personal loss.

Erika, the widow of Charlie Kirk—TPUSA’s founder and an outspoken political commentator—was named CEO and board chair on September 18, just days after Charlie’s tragic death.

While Charlie was the public face of TPUSA, Erika, married to him for four years, played an integral role in the organization, engaging actively with its supporters.

The 31-year-old Charlie Kirk was fatally shot on September 10 during an event at Utah Valley University, where he was addressing questions about mass shootings as part of his “American Comeback” tour.

Erika’s New Role

Erika Kirk’s election as the head of TPUSA comes as the organization, founded in 2012, seeks to carry on her late husband’s legacy.

Board members Doug De Groote, Mike Miller, Tom Sodeika, and David Engelhardt issued a statement highlighting their commitment to continue Charlie’s vision: “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.”

They referenced King Solomon’s words in Ecclesiastes, expressing resolve in facing their current challenges, “Today we are facing such a test, yet we also know that God has prepared us with everything we need to overcome this ordeal.”

They reiterated Charlie’s belief that “We have a country to save,” emphasizing his refusal to yield to adversity.

Following her husband’s assassination, Erika delivered a heartfelt tribute on September 12, reflecting on Charlie’s faith and courage: “Two days ago, my husband, Charlie, went to see the face of his Savior and his God. Charlie always said that when he was gone, he wanted to be remembered for his courage and for his faith.”

Charlie Kirk founded TPUSA at the youthful age of 18, aiming to address moral and political issues prevalent on college campuses. The organization has since grown significantly, focusing on “identifying, educating, training, and organizing students to promote the principles of fiscal responsibility, free markets, and limited government,” according to its website.

Currently, TPUSA boasts a presence in over 3,500 school campuses, facilitating more than 2,000 student groups and 800 faith-based organizations.

Before Charlie

Before her association with Charlie Kirk and TPUSA, Erika, a 36-year-old mother of two, was a successful businesswoman, philanthropist, and podcaster.

She was crowned Miss Arizona in 2012 and had a background as an NCAA Women’s Basketball athlete, model, and actress in both New York City and China.

At just 17, Erika founded Everyday Heroes Like You, a 501(c)(3) organization aimed at celebrating “everyday heroes” within communities across the nation. Her initiatives included the “Romanian Angels” project, where she collaborated with the U.S. Marine Corps to support an orphanage in Romania.

Erika holds a double major in political science and international relations from Arizona State University, along with a Juris Master’s Degree in American Legal Studies from Liberty University. She is presently pursuing a Doctorate in Biblical Studies from the same institution.

Her recent endeavors reflect a commitment to ministry and entrepreneurship, including leading the BIBLEin365 program, which encourages daily engagement with scripture, and hosting the Midweek Rise Up podcast focused on Biblical leadership.

Additionally, she founded PROCLAIM, a U.S.-produced clothing line conveying a faith-based message, reinforcing her commitment to living out her beliefs boldly.

Erika’s bio emphasizes her cherished roles as Charlie Kirk’s wife and mother to their son and daughter.

After Charlie’s Passing

Erika, who married Charlie on May 8, 2021, was vocal about her admiration for her husband, describing him as “the man I’ve been praying for, before I even met you.”

In her reflections post Charlie’s death, she emphasized his zest for life and his deep love for family and America. “Charlie loved, loved life. He loved his life. He loved America. He loved nature, which helped him always bring him closer to God,” she said, adding his fondness for the Chicago Cubs and Oregon Ducks.

Erika assured her audience that Charlie’s mission would persist, and she believed that this moment would amplify his message. In a passionate Instagram post on September 12, she declared, “They have no idea what they just ignited within this wife. If they thought my husband’s mission was big now, you have no idea.”

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