Vice President JD Vance Calls on Republicans to Honor Charlie Kirk Through 2026 Midterm Victory
At a private Republican National Committee retreat in Washington on Friday, Vice President JD Vance urged party donors to work toward winning the 2026 midterm elections in memory of his late friend, conservative activist Charlie Kirk. Kirk was fatally shot Wednesday at a Utah university, and this was Vance’s first public address since the tragedy.
According to audio obtained by The New York Times, Vance told attendees that Kirk’s legacy should motivate Republicans during what he described as a difficult midterm cycle.
“If we want to truly honor Charlie over the next couple of years, then let’s take his dedication to American greatness and civic virtue, and channel it into winning—for the right reasons,” Vance said.
Vance praised Kirk as “the smartest and most effective political strategist” he had ever met, calling him a “once-in-a-generation figure.” He shared a personal story about speaking with Kirk’s widow, Erika, who emphasized how consistently patient her husband was with their family. Vance contrasted that with his own shortcomings, joking self-deprecatingly: “I’m proud of being a good husband and father, but do I meet that standard? No. Sometimes I’m difficult,” he said, drawing laughter.
The vice president also made lighthearted remarks about Senator Thom Tillis of North Carolina, who announced his retirement after opposing President Trump’s budget bill. Vance recalled joking with RNC chair Joe Gruters that Tillis’s decision unexpectedly paved the way for Gruters to lead the committee.
Despite these lighter moments, Vance’s speech largely focused on rallying donors. He reminded them that the party not in power has historically performed well in midterm elections, yet acknowledged Republicans face tough odds this time.
“But I think we’re going to succeed,” he insisted.
As the RNC’s current finance chair, Vance has been active in fundraising. He concluded by linking Kirk’s influence to the broader conservative movement spearheaded by Donald Trump.
“How do we make sure the movement they built translates into victory in the midterms?” he asked. “The answer is we need resources—lots of them. Democrats aren’t slowing down, and neither can we.”
No comments: