The chairwoman and CEO of the right-wing Turning Point USA made the announcement during the organization’s annual AmericaFest conference, the first since her husband’s assassination in September.
“We are going to get my husband’s friend, JD Vance, elected for 48 in the most resounding way possible,” said Kirk, whose announcement was met with cheers and applause.
Kirk’s endorsement occurred nearly a month after she told right-wing commentator Megyn Kelly that Turning Point USA’s support for a possible Vance 2028 campaign was “in the works.” She also revealed that one of the last conversations she had with her husband was about how “intentional” he was about supporting Vance in the next presidential election.
Vance, who is scheduled to speak at AmericaFest on Sunday, has yet to announce a 2028 bid. He told Fox News’ Sean Hannity last month that he wants to focus on next year’s midterms before discussing a possible presidential run.
Kirk’s endorsement raised some virtual eyebrows on social media and reignited talk about her embracing Vance at a Turning Point event honoring her late husband in October. The tight hug (on top of Kirk’s claim that she sees “some similarities” between her late husband and Vance) sparked a wave of rumors about their relationship as well as the veep’s marriage with his wife, Usha Vance.
Still, social media users had a field day with Kirk’s latest show of support for Vance: