Erica Kirk (left) and U.S. Vice President JD Vance. AP Yonhap News

The wife of the late conservative activist Charlie Kirk, who was assassinated during a university event in Utah in September, has publicly endorsed Vice President JD Vance as a candidate for the next U.S. presidential election in 2028.

According to the Washington Post (WP) on the 19th (local time), Erica Kirk, wife of Charlie Kirk, said at a Turning Point USA rally held in Arizona the previous day, "We will ensure that our husband's friend, JD Vance, is elected the 48th president in a way that creates the biggest possible impact."

Erica's husband, Charlie Kirk, was the founder and president of Turning Point USA, a conservative youth movement organization, and played a significant role in President Donald Trump's election victory last year. He also had a close friendship with Vice President Vance.

Erica's endorsement of Vance, who succeeded her husband as chairman of Turning Point USA, appears to hold significant meaning in the selection process for the next candidate from the MAGA (Make America Great Again, Trump's campaign slogan) camp, which represents Trump's core supporters.

President Trump is currently serving his second term, which began in January, following his first term from 2017 to 2021. Therefore, he cannot run in the next presidential election unless the constitution, which prohibits a third term, is amended.