Vice President JD Vance to speak at Turning Point conference in Phoenix

PHOENIX — Two months after landing in Phoenix for his friend Charlie Kirk’s memorial, Vice President JD Vance is set to visit the Valley yet again, according to a Wednesday announcement from political activism group Turning Point USA.

This time, Vance will be a featured speaker at AmericaFest 2025, the political youth organization’s biggest annual political event. This year, it runs Dec. 18-21 at the Phoenix Convention Center.

“Excited to be there,” Vance said on social media.

Honored to have Vice President JD Vance join the incredible lineup for our sold-out AmericaFest 2025 🇺🇸 https://t.co/mKxA4UJXbj @VP pic.twitter.com/vUcJkDbrql

— Turning Point USA (@TPUSA) December 3, 2025

Turning Point USA is the political youth action organization founded by Kirk, a conservative activist who was assassinated while speaking to college students at Utah Valley University on Sept. 10.

His assassination sent shockwaves through American politics. Kirk maintained close ties with high-ranking Republicans such as Vance and President Donald Trump, as well as influential Arizonans like U.S. Rep. Andy Biggs, whose 2026 gubernatorial run he strongly supported.

In fact, Kirk served as the featured speaker of the Biggs for Governor Rally on May 31.

Gov. Katie Hobbs, a Democrat, ordered flags to be flown at half-staff in honor of Kirk shortly after his assassination.

Why will JD Vance be a featured speaker at AmericaFest 2025?

Vance and his wife, Usha, accompanied Kirk’s casket as it was flown into Phoenix on Sept. 11. Both Vance and Trump, who said Kirk played a pivotal role in winning him the 2024 election, spoke at Kirk’s memorial at State Farm Stadium in Glendale.

The president called Kirk a “martyr” and “a great American hero.”

Kirk’s widow, Erika, expressed gratitude to Vance and Usha couple for accompanying her and her husband’s body on the Air Force 2 ride to Phoenix. She has credited them with being critical pillars of support as she mourns her husband.

After taking over her husband’s role as Turning Point CEO, Erika has been an outspoken supporter of Vance, saying he reminds her of her late husband and affirming that the political organization will support Vance’s 2028 presidential bid.

Turning Point USA did not release information about when Vance will speak.

Tickets are currently sold out, but people who want to see Vance and the dozens of other speakers can join the waitlist online.

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