Young Conservatives Continue Charlie Kirk's Legacy After Assassination

The assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk sent shockwaves through American politics, creating uncertainty about the future of his organization, Turning Point USA. Nearly two months after his death, young conservatives are actively working to advance Kirk's vision, demonstrating remarkable resilience and commitment to his political legacy.

Surge in Campus Engagement

At the University of Mississippi, where Kirk had planned to speak as part of his fall campus tour, Turning Point USA has experienced explosive growth. Lesley Lachman, president of the Ole Miss chapter, reported that membership "overnight, became hundreds to thousands" following Kirk's assassination. The organization maintains a strong presence on campus, with regular tabling outside the student union and biweekly meetings that attract substantial attendance.

Vice Presidential Endorsement

The momentum was visibly demonstrated when Vice President J.D. Vance and Erika Kirk, Charlie's widow and now Turning Point USA CEO, addressed a packed arena at the University of Mississippi. Hundreds of students waited for hours in inclement weather to attend the event, many wearing red and white MAGA hats. Vice President Vance explicitly connected the students to Kirk's legacy, stating, "We know that you are the future of Charlie Kirk's legacy."

Changing Political Landscape

Student members describe a shifting political environment where conservative identity is becoming more mainstream on campus. Lesley Lachman noted that "it's cool to be conservative. It's hot to be the conservative chick. It's the new trend." This sentiment is reflected in membership demographics that include significant female participation, challenging stereotypes about conservative campus organizations.

Personal Transformations

For some students, Kirk's assassination served as a catalyst for political engagement. Mary Cate Doughty, a junior at Ole Miss, explained that she joined Turning Point USA after Kirk's death, stating that "it really puts things into perspective about how divisive things have become in our country." Other students, like Shaun Gussow, who comes from a Democratic household, found community and acceptance within the organization despite initial concerns about its reputation.

National Expansion

According to Andrew Kolvet, a spokesperson for Turning Point USA who now hosts "The Charlie Kirk Show," the organization has received approximately 140,000 inquiries to start new high school and college chapters since Kirk's assassination. Additionally, about 200,000 people have signed up to participate in future election efforts. Kolvet emphasized that the organization plans to deploy these new resources strategically in upcoming midterm elections.

Controversy and Response

Despite the growth, Turning Point USA continues to face criticism on some campuses. At the University of Tennessee, Chattanooga, student government opposed the formation of a new chapter, citing concerns about "harassment, misinformation and intimidation." Kolvet responded that such criticisms often take Kirk's comments out of context and emphasized the organization's commitment to "peaceful dialogue, peaceful debate."

Moving Forward

As Turning Point USA navigates its future without its charismatic founder, the organization appears positioned for continued influence in conservative politics. With Erika Kirk now leading as CEO and maintaining focus on her late husband's legacy and Christian faith, the movement that Charlie Kirk built continues to resonate with young conservatives seeking to shape America's political future.