Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick has pledged $1 million from his campaign fund to support the expansion of Turning Point USA (TPUSA) chapters at high schools and colleges throughout the state, following the September assassination of TPUSA co-founder Charlie Kirk.
Patrick announced the contribution in a post on X on Friday, stating that he held a “long call” with TPUSA executives on Thursday regarding how to increase the organization’s presence on Texas campuses. According to Patrick, the discussion focused on scaling up the group’s networks in both college and high school environments.
“As we wrapped up the call, I shared a fond memory of Charlie from President Trump’s 2017 Inauguration. Charlie and I were going to the Trump Hotel to celebrate and walked in the door at the same time. We began a conversation from there,” Patrick wrote.
Kirk, who co-founded TPUSA in 2012, was assassinated on September 10 while speaking at a TPUSA event at Utah Valley University. The event was one of several planned stops on his “American Comeback Tour.” Following his death, TPUSA reported receiving more than 135,000 inquiries from individuals interested in starting chapters in schools across the country. The organization says it currently operates in more than 3,500 schools, including over 2,000 student groups and more than 800 faith-based groups.
Patrick said he has long been supportive of Kirk’s stated mission for the organization. “I was always inspired by his mission ‘to identify, educate, train, and organize students to promote the principles of freedom, free markets, and limited government.’ Charlie was confident he could do that,” he said. Patrick also noted that Kirk increasingly emphasized religious themes in his campus outreach, stating, “Later, he brought his faith into his discussions on campus with boldness and conviction that only grew his following.”
Patrick said his $1 million contribution is intended as both a tribute and a catalyst for further financial support. “I committed a million dollars from my campaign to honor that young man from many years ago who shared his dream with me and in hopes others will follow at any amount — whether it’s $10 or much more. He gave his life for his mission. He gave his life for Christ,” he wrote.
Patrick is seeking re-election in 2026. He has already received an endorsement from former President Donald Trump and reported more than $33.5 million in campaign funds on hand in January.
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