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POLITICS

See Erika Kirk's journey through marriage, motherhood and grief

Nov. 25, 2025Updated Feb. 8, 2026, 6:05 p.m. ET
Conservative activist Charlie Kirk (R) founded and led the nonprofit, Turning Point USA. He was married to Erika Kirk, a former pageant contestant, who won Miss Arizona 2012. The two were married in 2021 and have two children together. While speaking at a Turning Point USA event at Utah Valley University, he was shot and killed on Sept. 10, 2025. His widow, Erika Kirk (formerly Frantzve), has since taken the helm of leading and continuing TPUSA, while also raising their two children and pursuing her doctorate in biblical studies. Here's a look at her life from pageantry to marriage, motherhood and becoming a CEO.
Conservative activist Charlie Kirk (R) founded and led the nonprofit, Turning Point USA.

He was married to Erika Kirk, a former pageant contestant, who won Miss Arizona 2012. The two were married in 2021 and have two children together.

While speaking at a Turning Point USA event at Utah Valley University, he was shot and killed on Sept. 10, 2025.

His widow, Erika Kirk (formerly Frantzve), has since taken the helm of leading and continuing TPUSA, while also raising their two children and pursuing her doctorate in biblical studies. Here's a look at her life from pageantry to marriage, motherhood and becoming a CEO.
Samuel Corum, Getty Images
Miss Arizona USA Erika Frantzve attends a twilight cruise at Pier 78 on May 8, 2012 in New York City.
Miss Arizona USA Erika Frantzve attends a twilight cruise at Pier 78 on May 8, 2012 in New York City.
Michael Stewart, WireImage
(L-R) Miss Arizona USA Erika Frantzve, Miss Maryland USA Nana Meriwether, Miss Georgia USA Jasmyn Wilkins, Miss Florida USA Karina Brez, and Miss Massachusetts USA Natalie Pietrzak attend the CitySightseeing New York Cruise at Pier 78 on May 8, 2012 in New York City.
(L-R) Miss Arizona USA Erika Frantzve, Miss Maryland USA Nana Meriwether, Miss Georgia USA Jasmyn Wilkins, Miss Florida USA Karina Brez, and Miss Massachusetts USA Natalie Pietrzak attend the CitySightseeing New York Cruise at Pier 78 on May 8, 2012 in New York City.
Cindy Ord, Getty Images
Charlie Kirk, 27, on his wedding day to Erika Frantzve, 32, on May 8, 2021, in Scottsdale, Arizona.
Charlie Kirk, 27, on his wedding day to Erika Frantzve, 32, on May 8, 2021, in Scottsdale, Arizona.
MRSERIKAKIRK/Instagram, ZUMA Press Wire Via Reuters Connect
Charlie Kirk, 27, on his wedding day to Erika Frantzve, 32, on May 8, 2021, in Scottsdale, Arizona.
Charlie Kirk, 27, on his wedding day to Erika Frantzve, 32, on May 8, 2021, in Scottsdale, Arizona.
MRSERIKAKIRK/Instagram, ZUMA Press Wire Via Reuters Connect
This file photo, circa 2024, shows Charlie Kirk and his wife Erika Kirk with one of their children.
This file photo, circa 2024, shows Charlie Kirk and his wife Erika Kirk with one of their children.
MRSERIKAKIRK/Instagram, ZUMA Press Wire Via Reuters Connect
Charlie Kirk, 30, founder of Turning Point USA kisses his wife Erika Kirk, 35, while they hold their two children in their arms on Nov. 28, 2024.
Charlie Kirk, 30, founder of Turning Point USA kisses his wife Erika Kirk, 35, while they hold their two children in their arms on Nov. 28, 2024.
MRSERIKAKIRK/Instagram, ZUMA Press Wire Via Reuters Connect
Charlie Kirk and his wife Erika Kirk holding their two children in their arms on May 15, 2025.
Charlie Kirk and his wife Erika Kirk holding their two children in their arms on May 15, 2025.
MRSERIKAKIRK/Instagram, ZUMA Press Wire Via Reuters Connect
Erika Kirk and Charlie Kirk speak at a rally at the Arizona Biltmore in Phoenix on May 31, 2025.
Erika Kirk and Charlie Kirk speak at a rally at the Arizona Biltmore in Phoenix on May 31, 2025.
Gage Skidmore, ZUMA Press Wire Via Reuters Connect
American right-wing pundit Charlie Kirk, 31, CEO and co-founder of the conservative youth organization Turning Point USA was assassinated Wednesday at Utah Valley University. Kirk, a close ally of President Trump, was killed while speaking in front of a large college crowd. This file photo shows Charlie Kirk, 31, on July 4, 2025, laughing with his wife Erika Kirk, 36, while they hold their two children in their arms and celebrating July 4th.
American right-wing pundit Charlie Kirk, 31, CEO and co-founder of the conservative youth organization Turning Point USA was assassinated Wednesday at Utah Valley University. Kirk, a close ally of President Trump, was killed while speaking in front of a large college crowd. This file photo shows Charlie Kirk, 31, on July 4, 2025, laughing with his wife Erika Kirk, 36, while they hold their two children in their arms and celebrating July 4th.
MRSERIKAKIRK/Instagram, ZUMA Press Wire Via Reuters Connect
A photo of political media personality Charlie Kirk, his children and wife, Erika, is seen after an all-member memorial service in the U.S. Capitol's Statuary Hall on Sept. 15, 2025. Kirk was murdered during an event at Utah Valley University on Sept. 10, 2025.
A photo of political media personality Charlie Kirk, his children and wife, Erika, is seen after an all-member memorial service in the U.S. Capitol's Statuary Hall on Sept. 15, 2025. Kirk was murdered during an event at Utah Valley University on Sept. 10, 2025.
CQ-Roll Call, Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call/Sipa USA Via Reuters Connect
A banner with a photo of Erika Kirk and her husband, right-wing activist Charlie Kirk, who was killed during an event at Utah Valley University, is displayed on the side of the Heritage Foundation building, in Washington, D.C., on Sept. 20, 2025.
A banner with a photo of Erika Kirk and her husband, right-wing activist Charlie Kirk, who was killed during an event at Utah Valley University, is displayed on the side of the Heritage Foundation building, in Washington, D.C., on Sept. 20, 2025.
Daniel Becerril, Reuters
Erika Kirk, Charlie Kirk's widow, speaks during the public memorial service for right-wing activist Charlie Kirk at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, on Sept. 21, 2025.
Erika Kirk, Charlie Kirk's widow, speaks during the public memorial service for right-wing activist Charlie Kirk at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, on Sept. 21, 2025.
PATRICK T. FALLON, AFP Via Getty Images
President Donald Trump reacts next to Erika Kirk, widow of Charlie Kirk, after speaking at the public memorial service for right-wing activist Charlie Kirk at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, on Sept. 21, 2025.
President Donald Trump reacts next to Erika Kirk, widow of Charlie Kirk, after speaking at the public memorial service for right-wing activist Charlie Kirk at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, on Sept. 21, 2025.
MANDEL NGAN, AFP Via Getty Images
President Donald Trump and Erika Kirk (L), Charlie Kirk's widow, participate in a Medal of Freedom Ceremony for late US right-wing activist Charlie Kirk in the Rose Garden of the White House in Washington, D.C., on Oct. 14, 2025. Kirk was shot dead on a Utah college campus on Sept. 10, 2025, sparking a wave of grief among conservatives, and threats of a clampdown on the "radical left" from President Donald Trump.
President Donald Trump and Erika Kirk (L), Charlie Kirk's widow, participate in a Medal of Freedom Ceremony for late US right-wing activist Charlie Kirk in the Rose Garden of the White House in Washington, D.C., on Oct. 14, 2025. Kirk was shot dead on a Utah college campus on Sept. 10, 2025, sparking a wave of grief among conservatives, and threats of a clampdown on the "radical left" from President Donald Trump.
Andrew Caballero-Reynolds/AFP Via Getty Images
President Donald Trump and Erika Kirk, Charlie Kirk's widow, participate in a Medal of Freedom Ceremony for late right-wing activist Charlie Kirk in the Rose Garden of the White House in Washington, D.C., on Oct. 14, 2025. Kirk was shot dead on a Utah college campus on Sept. 10, 2025, sparking a wave of grief among conservatives, and threats of a clampdown on the "radical left" from President Donald Trump.
President Donald Trump and Erika Kirk, Charlie Kirk's widow, participate in a Medal of Freedom Ceremony for late right-wing activist Charlie Kirk in the Rose Garden of the White House in Washington, D.C., on Oct. 14, 2025. Kirk was shot dead on a Utah college campus on Sept. 10, 2025, sparking a wave of grief among conservatives, and threats of a clampdown on the "radical left" from President Donald Trump.
ANDREW CABALLERO-REYNOLDS, AFP Via Getty Images
Erika Kirk (L), wife of late conservative activist Charlie Kirk, arrives with President Donald Trump as he posthumously awards the Presidential Medal of Freedom to Charlie Kirk during a ceremony in the Rose Garden of the White House on Oct. 14, 2025, in Washington, D.C.
Erika Kirk (L), wife of late conservative activist Charlie Kirk, arrives with President Donald Trump as he posthumously awards the Presidential Medal of Freedom to Charlie Kirk during a ceremony in the Rose Garden of the White House on Oct. 14, 2025, in Washington, D.C.
Kevin Dietsch, Getty Images
Erika Kirk speaks at the Pavilion at Ole Miss on the campus of the University of Mississippi on Oct. 29, 2025 in Oxford, Mississippi. Thousands attended the Turning Point USA event to hear Vice President JD Vance speak and to honor Kirk's husband, the late conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
Erika Kirk speaks at the Pavilion at Ole Miss on the campus of the University of Mississippi on Oct. 29, 2025 in Oxford, Mississippi. Thousands attended the Turning Point USA event to hear Vice President JD Vance speak and to honor Kirk's husband, the late conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
Brad Vest, Getty Images
Vice President JD Vance (R) greets Erika Kirk, Charlie Kirk's widow, during a Turning Point USA event at the University of Mississippi, in Oxford, Mississippi, Oct. 29, 2025.
Vice President JD Vance (R) greets Erika Kirk, Charlie Kirk's widow, during a Turning Point USA event at the University of Mississippi, in Oxford, Mississippi, Oct. 29, 2025.
JONATHAN ERNST, POOL/AFP Via Getty Images
Erika Kirk speaks at the Pavilion at Ole Miss on the campus of the University of Mississippi on Oct. 29, 2025, in Oxford, Mississippi. Thousands attended the Turning Point USA event to hear Vice President JD Vance speak and to honor Kirk's husband, the late conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
Erika Kirk speaks at the Pavilion at Ole Miss on the campus of the University of Mississippi on Oct. 29, 2025, in Oxford, Mississippi. Thousands attended the Turning Point USA event to hear Vice President JD Vance speak and to honor Kirk's husband, the late conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
Brad Vest, Getty Images
Erika Kirk accepts the inaugural Charlie Kirk Legacy Award onstage during the 2025 Fox Nation Patriot Awards at Tilles Center for the Performing Arts on Nov. 6, 2025 in Greenvale, New York.
Erika Kirk accepts the inaugural Charlie Kirk Legacy Award onstage during the 2025 Fox Nation Patriot Awards at Tilles Center for the Performing Arts on Nov. 6, 2025 in Greenvale, New York.
Roy Rochlin, Getty Images
Erika Kirk accepts the inaugural Charlie Kirk Legacy Award onstage during the 2025 Fox Nation Patriot Awards at Tilles Center for the Performing Arts on Nov. 6, 2025 in Greenvale, New York.
Erika Kirk accepts the inaugural Charlie Kirk Legacy Award onstage during the 2025 Fox Nation Patriot Awards at Tilles Center for the Performing Arts on Nov. 6, 2025 in Greenvale, New York.
Roy Rochlin, Getty Images
President Donald Trump shakes hands with Erika Kirk, the wife of the late conservative activist and media personality Charlie Kirk, during the swearing-in ceremony of U.S. Ambassador to India Sergio Gor in the Oval Office of the White House on Nov. 10, 2025 in Washington, D.C. In addition to serving as Ambassador to India, President Trump appointed Gor as Special Envoy to South and Central Asia. Gor previously served as Assistant to the President and Director of Presidential Personnel at the White House. Trump was joined by family members of Gor and Sen. James Risch (R-ID) (R).
President Donald Trump shakes hands with Erika Kirk, the wife of the late conservative activist and media personality Charlie Kirk, during the swearing-in ceremony of U.S. Ambassador to India Sergio Gor in the Oval Office of the White House on Nov. 10, 2025 in Washington, D.C. In addition to serving as Ambassador to India, President Trump appointed Gor as Special Envoy to South and Central Asia. Gor previously served as Assistant to the President and Director of Presidential Personnel at the White House. Trump was joined by family members of Gor and Sen. James Risch (R-ID) (R).
Anna Moneymaker, Getty Images
New York Times columnist Andrew Ross Sorkin and C.E.O. and Chair of the Board of Turning Point USA Erika Kirk speak onstage during the 2025 New York Times Dealbook Summit at Jazz at Lincoln Center on Dec. 3, 2025 in New York City. NYT columnist Sorkin hosted the annual Dealbook summit which brings together business and government leaders to discuss the most important stories across business, politics and culture.
New York Times columnist Andrew Ross Sorkin and C.E.O. and Chair of the Board of Turning Point USA Erika Kirk speak onstage during the 2025 New York Times Dealbook Summit at Jazz at Lincoln Center on Dec. 3, 2025 in New York City. NYT columnist Sorkin hosted the annual Dealbook summit which brings together business and government leaders to discuss the most important stories across business, politics and culture.
Michael M. Santiago, Getty Images
Erika Kirk discusses the newly released book "Stop, In The Name of God: Why Honoring The Sabbath Will Transform Your Life" on "Hannity" at Fox News Channel Studios on Dec. 8, 2025, in New York City.
Erika Kirk discusses the newly released book "Stop, In The Name of God: Why Honoring The Sabbath Will Transform Your Life" on "Hannity" at Fox News Channel Studios on Dec. 8, 2025, in New York City.
Dimitrios Kambouris, Getty Images
Erika Kirk and Nicki Minaj high-five during an interview on the final day of Turning Point USA's annual AmericaFest conference at the Phoenix Convention Center on Dec. 21, 2025, in Phoenix, Arizona.
Erika Kirk and Nicki Minaj high-five during an interview on the final day of Turning Point USA's annual AmericaFest conference at the Phoenix Convention Center on Dec. 21, 2025, in Phoenix, Arizona.
Caylo Seals, Getty Images
Erika Kirk stands next to the microphone which was used by Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University on the day he was killed as she waits to greet U.S. Vice President JD Vance before closing out AmericaFest, the first Turning Point USA summit since the assassination of Charlie Kirk, in Phoenix, Arizona, on Dec. 21, 2025.
Erika Kirk stands next to the microphone which was used by Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University on the day he was killed as she waits to greet U.S. Vice President JD Vance before closing out AmericaFest, the first Turning Point USA summit since the assassination of Charlie Kirk, in Phoenix, Arizona, on Dec. 21, 2025.
Cheney Orr, Reuters
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