Williams: Turning Point USA’s awakening of conservatism’s lion

By LACI WILLIAMS | Commentary, Rocky Mountain Voice

I worked for Turning Point USA for nearly five-and-a-half years. This year, I made my return at their annual conference, Americafest, in Phoenix, Ariz.

It was a triumphant homecoming, as the energy in the room reflected the incredible momentum Turning Point has built. Their hard work has awakened a quiet lion within the conservative movement, a machine that is proving to be unstoppable. Despite being outspent this election cycle, Republicans were not outworked, thanks in large part to Turning Point USA, Charlie Kirk and his team of tireless culture warriors. As Kirk himself put it, “The good guys win if we push hard enough.”

Sitting in the press pool at Americafest, I couldn’t help but notice the stark contrast in perspectives. Over my shoulder, East Coast elites typed away, likely crafting hit pieces or, in one instance, referencing Ben Shapiro’s Wikipedia page — a surreal moment, to say the least. Yet the energy in the room was undeniable: louder, bigger and more electrified than ever before.

According to Kirk, Turning Point USA helped add 500,000 Generation Z voters to the electorate this cycle, an effort he called a “once-in-a-generation realignment.”

Through independent media, relentless grassroots outreach on college campuses and tabling sessions nationwide, Turning Point USA has shifted the political landscape on the right. Kirk even referred to Elon Musk’s purchase of Twitter as “the most important purchase in America since the Louisiana Purchase,” a testament to how cultural and digital engagement are now central to the conservative strategy.

This realignment represents a transformation akin to the political shift seen during the Obama years — an era that has yet to be replicated. Turning Point’s success underscores their investment in grassroots activism, which was on full display throughout the conference. For the first time in four years, staff members could celebrate their hard-earned victories. But amidst the celebration, one common question emerged: “What’s next?”

In his keynote speech, Kirk gave glory to God and praised the attendees, declaring that it was their love of country, normalcy and beauty that had saved the nation. However, true to his nature, he also urged the crowd not to relax, warning that the real work was just beginning.

Despite the left’s efforts to erase conservative voices, Kirk reminded attendees that “80 million people can’t simply disappear.”

Turning Point USA’s impact is undeniable. They mobilized in all seven swing states, established a strong presence on countless college and high school campuses and inspired a surge of young men who rejected the “toxic femininity” of the left in favor of Trump. Kirk acknowledged their heavy lifting and celebrated their commitment to conservative values.

He concluded his speech with a bold statement: “The coolest, most desirable thing one can wear in conservative politics is the red MAGA hat.”

Turning Point USA has proven that with unwavering dedication, grassroots efforts and a clear vision, they can reshape the future of conservatism. The lion isn’t just awake, it’s roaring.

Laci Williams is the social media manager for Rocky Mountain Voice and the co-chair of the Colorado Federation of Young Republicans. Previously, she served as regional manager for Turning Point USA, where she honed her skills in grassroots organizing and conservative advocacy.

Editor’s note: Opinions expressed in commentary pieces are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the management of the Rocky Mountain Voice, but even so we support the constitutional right of the author to express those opinions.