A Year After Charlie Kirk's Death, Turning Point Plans to Spend Big on the Midterms

A year after Charlie Kirk's death, Turning Point plans to invest heavily in the upcoming midterms. The group is focusing on three states—New Hampshire, Arizona, and Nevada—and will also deploy field staff in seven more states where Democrats might gain ground. Turning Point's super PAC is estimated to allocate $15–$20 million for ads in the priority states, with additional funds for field operations, though specific figures remain undisclosed. This funding will bolster both ground efforts and digital advertisements.

The most significant race for Republicans is the Senate seat in New Hampshire, where former Republican Senator Jeanne Shaheen is retiring. The Democratic representative Chris Pappas is challenging Republican John Sununu in a race that is currently classified as "Lean Democrat." Turning Point has been actively involved in Arizona, where incumbent Democrat Katie Hobbs is facing Republican representative Andy Biggs.

This race has gained attention due to the endorsement of former President Donald Trump's claims of election fraud in 2020.

The group's actions come amidst broader Republican efforts to counter voter discontent over the Iran war, high prices, and a perceived surge in Democratic momentum. Earlier this year, other Republican groups, including Trump's main super PAC MAGA Inc. and a new entity No Going Back PAC Inc., have made substantial ad spends in key Senate races. The coordination between Trump's operation and these groups remains unclear, but there has been substantial data sharing to identify target voters.

Turning Point's strategy is not only aimed at the 2022 midterms but also at building infrastructure for the Republican ticket in 2028. In New Hampshire, Arizona, and Nevada, winning these states would help offset the need for traditional "blue-wall" states like Nevada and New Hampshire in future presidential elections. Despite the challenging poll numbers for Trump—consistent at or under 40%—Republicans are still planning to participate in the Republican Midterm Convention in Texas.

The convention, set for September 9-10, will feature Trump and Vice President Mike Pence, with high-priced access to both, potentially raising funds for vulnerable Republican candidates.