Political analyst Mark Halperin warned that the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk may have a major impact on the 2026 midterm elections. In an interview with Megyn Kelly, Halperin explained how the political response to Kirk’s murder could galvanize conservative voters and shift the national conversation.
Speaking on The Megyn Kelly Show, Halperin emphasized the intensity of the public reaction, noting that many Americans are only now realizing the influence Charlie Kirk had in conservative circles. He pointed out Kirk’s leadership of Turning Point USA, his role in mobilizing young conservatives, and his prominence as a close ally of President Donald Trump.
Halperin criticized Democrat-aligned commentators for continuing to attack Kirk after his death, stating, “They can’t stop demonizing him because of his connection to Trump. It’s the only way they think.” He argued that this kind of rhetoric may have the unintended consequence of energizing conservative voters rather than discouraging them.
Kelly asked if Kirk’s murder could shift the political landscape as dramatically as the Supreme Court’s Dobbs v. Jackson decision, which overturned Roe v. Wade. Halperin agreed, suggesting that the assassination has the potential to reframe voter priorities and increase conservative turnout, especially among those who feel silenced or targeted by political elites.
Since the shooting, Turning Point USA has reportedly seen a spike in interest, with new chapters forming and donations increasing. Halperin observed that such developments are receiving little attention in mainstream media, which he implied would treat the story very differently if Kirk were a progressive figure.
