Young Conservative Women Rally Around Turning Point USA

In the wake of Charlie Kirk’s assassination in September 2023, a group of young conservative women have found a sense of belonging within Turning Point USA, a prominent conservative organization. Among them, 18-year-old Camdyn Glover experienced a profound shift in her political engagement, stating, “We can’t be silenced.” She is attending this year’s Turning Point USA conference in Phoenix with her family, marking the first event since Kirk’s tragic death.

Turning Point USA has historically focused on appealing to college men but has recently expanded its outreach to women. The leadership of Erika Kirk, Charlie’s widow, is expected to accelerate this shift. With her commitment to conservative values and a personal journey that resonates with many young women, Erika Kirk is poised to bridge the gender gap that has posed challenges for the Republican Party.

Empowering Young Women

Glover’s journey began in high school, where she felt isolated due to her conservative beliefs, particularly her anti-abortion stance. Discovering Turning Point provided her with a community that valued her perspective. “They want to promote a strong independent woman who does hold these values and can go stand up for herself,” she remarked, emphasizing that embracing femininity—“wearing a dress, putting on makeup”—is compatible with conservative ideals.

Stella Ross, a classmate of Glover’s at Indiana University, shared a similar experience. After encountering Charlie Kirk’s content on TikTok, she joined her university’s Turning Point chapter, inspired by his integration of faith in political discourse. Ross, who aspires to become a press secretary, appreciates the balance Erika Kirk exemplifies between career ambitions and traditional family values. “If Erika can do it, I can do it,” she said, highlighting the influence of strong female role models within the organization.

Adapting to Changing Dynamics

Erika Kirk, previously known for her work in modeling and as a beauty pageant winner, has embraced her role in leading Turning Point USA. She aims to honor her late husband’s legacy by expanding the organization’s reach and impact. In a recent interview, she stated her commitment to elevating the group, proclaiming it would become “10 times greater through the power of his memory.”

The political landscape has shifted significantly among younger voters. According to a recent Gallup analysis, women under 30 increasingly identify with liberal ideologies. During the last presidential election, only 41% of women in this age group supported Donald Trump, compared to 57% of their male counterparts, as reported by AP VoteCast. This stark divide underlines the urgency for organizations like Turning Point to engage more effectively with young women.

Despite these efforts, some conservative women express concerns about the organization’s traditionalist approach. Raquel Debono, an influencer based in New York City, criticized Turning Point’s emphasis on conventional gender roles, describing events as resembling a “Stepford wives conference.” She argues that the focus on traditional values could alienate women who balance careers and family life. In response, Debono founded her own initiative, “Make America Hot Again,” aimed at welcoming a broader spectrum of conservatives into the movement.

The assassination of Charlie Kirk has galvanized interest in Turning Point, particularly among women. Aubree Hudson, who serves as president of the organization’s chapter at Brigham Young University, witnessed a surge in involvement following the tragedy. She describes the experience of being close to the shooting and the subsequent desire for community among conservative women.

Emma Paskett, 18, felt compelled to become involved after watching videos of Charlie Kirk following his death. She regards Erika Kirk as a unique role model and believes her leadership can inspire other women to engage in political discourse.

The evolution of Turning Point USA reflects a broader movement within conservative circles to attract young women. With Erika Kirk at the helm, the organization aims to navigate this complex terrain, hoping to foster an environment where traditional values and modern aspirations can coexist.