Charlie Kirk, founder of Turning Point USA, outlined his criteria for identifying Senate Republicans who might face primary challenges, emphasizing the need to align with former President Donald Trump’s agenda. Kirk shared his views during an interview with The Daily Wire at Turning Point USA’s AmericaFest in Phoenix, Arizona.
Kirk criticized some Republican senators for voting more readily for President Joe Biden’s nominees than Trump’s. “I find it very perplexing that Joe Biden gets all of his nominees, and Republicans are happy to vote for many of them,” he told The Daily Wire. “Some Republicans give a harder time to Donald Trump’s nominees than Joe Biden’s nominees.”
Kirk detailed three specific criteria for identifying Republicans who should face primary challenges:
- Representation in a Deep Red State
“We’re gonna find Republican senators that represent deep, deep, deep red states. If we replace them, there won’t be a general election issue,” Kirk explained. He highlighted the need to avoid targeting senators like Thom Tillis of North Carolina, who might jeopardize a Republican seat in a competitive state. - Ignoring Voter Priorities
Kirk emphasized senators with a pattern of disregarding core issues important to voters, including immigration, border security, foreign aid, and government size. - Opposition to Trump’s Nominees
“We’re looking at whether they voted for Trump’s impeachment and whether they supported his cabinet nominees,” Kirk added.
.@charliekirk11 says he has a criteria for which Republicans should face a serious primary challenge.
— Daily Wire (@realDailyWire) December 30, 2024
1) They represent a "deep, deep red state"
2) A pattern of not listening to voters on core issues
3) They don't support Trump's cabinet nominees pic.twitter.com/IRXDBua9bM
One example Kirk cited was Senator Bill Cassidy of Louisiana, who voted to impeach Trump and has consistently supported aid to Ukraine despite opposition from his constituents. “He’s got to go,” Kirk said. “He has routinely been the biggest supporter of sending money to Ukraine despite our border being wide open, which is not popular with Louisiana voters.”
Cassidy’s spokesperson told The Daily Wire: “Senator Cassidy continues to work for Louisiana and the United States. He looks forward to working with President Trump to help our country thrive over the next four years.”
Kirk also mentioned senators Mike Rounds of South Dakota, James Risch of Idaho, and Shelley Moore Capito of West Virginia as examples of those whose actions may warrant consequences. “There needs to be consequences when you don’t listen to the will of the voters,” Kirk asserted.
While Kirk believes Trump might not actively campaign against incumbents, he suggested that Trump’s silence could signal a lack of support. “Not endorsing a candidate will end up being an endorsement,” he explained.
Kirk added that Turning Point USA plans to play an active role in upcoming primaries by identifying candidates, engaging grassroots supporters, raising funds, and focusing on ballot strategies.
“Our ask is not extreme,” Kirk argued. “The Washington insiders are saying Turning Point is just trying to cause problems. No, they’re the ones causing problems by not listening to their voters. We want a Republican Party that is as conservative as its voters.”
Kirk concluded by affirming the necessity of this process. “The people gave us a mandate, and the senators aren’t listening to it. So it’s time for some sorting out.”
