• Erika Kirk endorses Vice President JD Vance for the 2028 presidential election.
• The endorsement took place at Turning Point USA's AmericaFest conference in Phoenix.
• Kirk emphasizes the organization's role in mobilizing support for Vance.
• Vance's candidacy is widely anticipated among attendees despite his lack of a formal announcement.
• Potential infighting within the conservative movement adds context to this political landscape.

During the annual AmericaFest conference hosted by Turning Point USA in Phoenix, Erika Kirk endorsed Vice President JD Vance for the 2028 presidential election, proclaiming, “We are going to get my husband's friend JD Vance elected for 48 in the most resounding way possible.” This endorsement signifies Kirk’s commitment to continuing her late husband’s legacy while bolstering Vance’s political ambitions, as he has not yet officially announced a candidacy, according to CBS News, ABC News, and Los Angeles Times.

Kirk's endorsement comes during a critical time, as she leads the organization her husband founded, highlighting Turning Point USA's influential position in Republican politics. The conference has been marked by a competitive atmosphere, with various factions within the conservative movement vying for influence as Vance is set to become a central figure in the GOP's future post-Trump, according to BBC and Los Angeles Times.

Vance, who is positioned as a potential successor to Trump, has previously expressed that he is focused on the 2026 midterm elections, though he has acknowledged discussions about the 2028 election could happen after those elections. His supportive comments about Kirk and her late husband reveal the personal ties and political connections that may bolster his chances, as noted by ABC News and CBS News.

The endorsement illustrates a notable commitment from Turning Point USA to support Vance in a possible presidential run and showcases the organization's influence among young conservative voters. The dynamics within the party, however, are complicated by ongoing divisions among conservative commentators and factions, as seen during the conference, raising questions about how Vance can maintain the coalition that has defined the Trump presidency, according to BBC and Los Angeles Times.