(NewsNation) — Erika Kirk’s endorsement of JD Vance for president in the 2028 election cycle is premature and could backfire among voters, Batya Ungar-Sargon says.
Kirk, who took the reins of Turning Point USA after her husband’s assassination earlier this year, offered her support for Republican Vance during the four-day AmericaFest conference in Phoenix.
“Endorsing somebody for 2028 this early on, I think that’s probably a mistake. I’ve just got two words on that: Kamala Harris,” Ungar-Sargon told “NewsNation Prime” on Sunday, referring to Democrat Harris’ fast-track nomination and unsuccessful White House bid last year.
“The American people really do not like a coronation,” she added. “They want to see the debate and the exchange of ideas that a primary brings. And a candidate that has not been through that grueling primary process, it’s very hard to imagine them performing that well in the general (election).”
Ungar-Sargon noted that Charlie Kirk was close with Vance, and Erika Kirk’s endorsing him shows the conservative organization “is on the same path that it was.”
Vance appeared at the weekend event, where simmering divisions among Charlie Kirk’s followers and allies were on display. Sunday’s program included an appearance by rapper Nicki Minaj, who heaped praise on Vance and President Donald Trump.
