Turning Point Prepares For 2028

Turning Point Action is quietly building an extensive political operation in Iowa that could give the conservative organization an influential role in the 2028 Republican presidential race.

While some of the group’s most visible moments at the Iowa State Fair came from activists confronting Democratic politicians, a potentially more consequential operation was taking place away from the viral videos.

Turning Point Action staffers were registering voters, recruiting volunteers and encouraging conservatives to become more involved in local politics.

The message on one flyer made the organization’s long-term objective clear: it is already laying the groundwork for 2028.

Turning Point Action Makes a Major Push Into Iowa

Iowa remains a crucial state for Republicans because its caucuses are expected to open the GOP presidential nominating process in 2028.

Turning Point Action wants to establish at least one organizer in each of Iowa’s 99 counties, creating a statewide grassroots network capable of mobilizing conservative voters.

Tyler Bowyer, Turning Point Action’s chief operating officer, said voter participation in the caucuses will be an important measurement of the organization’s success.

The strategy goes beyond Iowa.

Turning Point Action has also expanded its presence in New Hampshire and Nevada, giving the organization infrastructure in several states that traditionally receive significant attention during presidential campaigns.

Those investments could serve two purposes: helping the organization mobilize voters during the 2026 midterms while establishing relationships and volunteer networks that remain valuable when the 2028 presidential campaign begins.

JD Vance Could Benefit From Turning Point’s Expansion

Vice President JD Vance is inevitably part of the conversation surrounding Turning Point’s growing political operation.

Vance has not announced a presidential campaign and has said he is focused on his current responsibilities. But his name continues to feature prominently in early discussions about the Republican Party’s future after President Donald Trump.

Turning Point leaders have made their relationship with Vance clear.

Erika Kirk, widow of Turning Point founder Charlie Kirk, has indicated she would be prepared to support Vance if he eventually seeks the presidency.

The organization itself has not issued a formal presidential endorsement.

Bowyer said there is currently nobody to endorse because candidates have not officially entered the race.

If Turning Point eventually backs a candidate, however, its expanding network of activists could provide that campaign with an established grassroots operation.

Turning Point Sees Vance as a Link Between Generations

Turning Point officials also see a political connection between Vance, the MAGA movement and younger conservatives attracted to Charlie Kirk’s style of activism.

Bowyer described Vance as a natural fit for that coalition.

That could become increasingly important as Republicans consider how the political movement built around Trump evolves after his presidency.

Trump transformed Republican politics beginning with his 2016 campaign, reshaping the party’s positions on immigration, trade, foreign policy and other major issues.

Turning Point, meanwhile, spent years developing a younger conservative activist network through college campuses, conferences, social media and grassroots organizing.

The organization’s Iowa expansion represents an effort to translate that national following into permanent local political infrastructure.

Not Everyone Is Convinced Yet

Turning Point’s arrival has generated enthusiasm among some Iowa conservatives, but questions remain about how much influence the organization actually possesses.

More than a dozen Republican officials, strategists and activists interviewed by the Associated Press said Turning Point’s presence in Iowa has become increasingly noticeable.

Some privately questioned whether its influence at the ballot box will ultimately match its substantial online profile.

Others have enthusiastically welcomed the organization.

Kelley Koch, a former Dallas County Republican chair who founded MAGA Nation Iowa, said conservative activists had previously complained about Turning Point’s limited presence in the state.

Now that is changing.

Could Turning Point Become a 2028 Republican Power Center?

Building political infrastructure this early comes with potential complications.

If Turning Point becomes closely associated with Vance or another presidential contender, supporters of rival Republican candidates could question whether the organization’s Iowa operation provides an unfair organizational advantage.

Bowyer acknowledged that the group’s growing presence could generate some friction.

However, he said the objective is increasing conservative participation rather than secretly building an operation for an undeclared candidate.

No major Republican candidate has formally launched a 2028 campaign.

That means the eventual field remains unsettled.

Ted Cruz Is Already Visiting Iowa

Texas Sen. Ted Cruz is another Republican receiving attention over a possible presidential campaign.

Cruz has already traveled to Iowa several times this year and recently acknowledged that his desire to become president is no secret.

He has been down this road before.

Cruz ran for the Republican presidential nomination in 2016 and won the Iowa Republican caucuses before Trump ultimately secured the nomination and presidency.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio is another nationally prominent Republican frequently discussed in connection with 2028, although Rubio has said he would not run against Vance.

With more than two years remaining before the next presidential election, additional Republicans could still emerge.

Iowa Gives Turning Point an Earlier Test

Turning Point does not have to wait until 2028 to determine whether its strategy works.

Iowa is already receiving national political attention because several major offices are being contested during the 2026 midterm elections.

Republican Sen. Joni Ernst and Republican Gov. Kim Reynolds are retiring, leaving open races for both U.S. Senate and governor.

Republican Ashley Hinson is running against Democrat Josh Turek for the Senate seat.

Republican Zach Lahn and Democrat Rob Sand are competing to become Iowa’s next governor.

Competitive congressional races could also affect control of the U.S. House.

That makes November an important real-world test of Turning Point’s organizing operation.

Turning Point Doubles Down on Grassroots Politics

Turning Point Action reportedly began its Iowa operation with four staffers last year.

The organization later announced plans to double its manpower in the state before the midterm elections following Lahn’s primary victory over Trump-endorsed Rep. Randy Feenstra.

Its young organizers have since become increasingly visible at county fairs, Republican committee meetings and other community events.

They also routinely post pictures documenting door-knocking operations and other grassroots activities.

The approach represents traditional retail politics combined with Turning Point’s enormous emphasis on social media.

Culture Issues Remain Part of Turning Point’s Message

Turning Point has not abandoned the cultural issues that helped make the organization prominent among conservative activists.

Its Iowa State Fair booth included signs expressing the organization’s positions on sex and gender — subjects that frequently featured in Charlie Kirk’s campus appearances.

But organizers were also promoting something less confrontational: community.

Visitors could join social clubs offering activities such as barbecues and volleyball games.

The idea is to develop relationships among people with similar political interests and potentially turn previously uninvolved voters into activists.

Kelsey Newberry, a Turning Point staffer based at the organization’s Phoenix headquarters, said even modest involvement can be valuable because bringing people together can encourage greater participation later.

The Battle for 2028 Is Starting Early

Turning Point Action’s Iowa expansion highlights a political reality that is becoming increasingly difficult to ignore.

The 2028 presidential campaign may still seem distant, but organizations interested in influencing the Republican Party’s future are already preparing.

Staff members are being hired. Volunteers are being recruited. Voters are being registered. Relationships are being established in states that will play important roles in choosing the next Republican presidential nominee.

Turning Point Action now has an opportunity to demonstrate during the 2026 midterms whether its massive online reach can translate into effective grassroots organization.

If it can, the infrastructure being built today could become considerably more important when Republicans begin choosing their next presidential nominee.

And with JD Vance, Ted Cruz and other prominent Republicans already generating 2028 speculation, Iowa is once again becoming a place to watch long before the first presidential votes are cast.