Charlie Kirk started with a dream and turned it into a political empire.
The organization launched out of his garage and grew into a national operation that has been largely credited with increasing the political engagement of college-aged individuals.
With Charlie gone, the ship needed a new leader, and who better to take that role than his widow, Erika Kirk?
Kirk went a different route than the “traditional” one, leaving college at the age of 18 after receiving some encouragement from Tea Party activist Bill Montgomery.
Some donors were lined up, and TPUSA was launched, with Kirk starting down a path that would literally change the political landscape for the conservative movement.
That initial garage-based chapter has expanded to 900 college chapters and 1,200 high school chapters, a tally that is about to explode in the wake of Kirk's death, as there were reportedly tens of thousands of chapter requests made in the aftermath of his assassination.
With Charlie gone, however, the question remained as to who would lead all these proud, young conservatives who wanted to have their voices heard.
Erika Kirk was truly the woman behind the man, always in the background while Charlie took the stage.
Only days after his death, her heart still an open wound, she told the president how much her husband loved him, and said that Charlie knew the feeling was mutual. She vowed that Charlie’s death would not be in vain, that his voice would not be silenced.
Then came the moment that made it clear exactly who needed to take the reins at TPUSA, as she stated, "You have no idea the fire that you have ignited within this wife, the cries of this widow will echo around the world like a battle cry.”
She continued, "They should all know this: if you thought that my husband's mission was powerful before you have no idea, you have no idea what you just have unleashed across this entire country and this world." If your eyes were still dry at this point, you were one of the few.
Life can be cruel in these situations, as even though a loved one, a mentor, or even a hero to some, has been brutally murdered, life does go on. Turning Point USA needs a new leader, and one was just chosen.
The board of directors had to pick someone to lead the organization, and it chose wisely, announcing, "It was the honor of our lives to serve as board members at Charlie's side. Charlie prepared all of us for a moment like this one."
The statement continued, “He worked tirelessly to ensure Turning Point USA was built to survive even the greatest tests. And now, it's our great pride to announce Erika Kirk as the new CEO and Chair of the Board for Turning Point USA."
I have little doubt that Erika will carry the torch and make Charlie proud. And I have a feeling that by the time Charlie’s children are ready to take the helm, the current size of the organization will be dwarfed. Erika is right… to quote (with some minor changes) Japanese Admiral Isoroku Yamamoto, "I [hope] all [they] have done is to awaken a sleeping giant, and fill [us] with a terrible resolve.”
