Erika Kirk, the widow of Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk, has been named one of TIME’s “most influential rising stars” in the world.
Kirk is listed in the “leaders” category alongside White House Press Secretary Karoline Levitt, Rep. Byron Donalds (R-FL), and others.
Reporter Nik Popli wrote for TIME that Erika Kirk “offered something rare in today’s politics: forgiveness.”
“Her words may frame the future of the organization her husband launched as a teen and built into a political powerhouse mobilizing young conservatives across the country. Along the way, Erika Kirk emerged as an influential voice for that same audience. With his death, the Turning Point USA board named her CEO and chair,” Popli wrote, adding that “what Erika Kirk models to America’s political leadership is the strength of resilience and grace.”
During the memorial service for her husband, Erika Kirk said, “Our Savior said, ‘Father, forgive them, for they not know what they do.’ That young man … I forgive him. I forgive him because it was what Christ did, and it’s what Charlie would do.”
“The answer to hate is not hate,” she continued. “The answer—we know from the gospel—is love. Always love. Love for our enemies. Love for those who persecute us.”
Erika Kirk has been named the new CEO of Turning Point USA. The conservative organization said upon announcing the transition, “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. He worked tirelessly to ensure Turning Point USA was built to survive even the greatest tests. And now, it is our great pride to announce Erika Kirk as the new CEO and Chair of the Board for Turning Point USA.”
