Texas Lt. Governor Announces $1 Million Donation for Turning Point USA
Texas Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick has declared a $1 million contribution aimed at establishing chapters of Turning Point USA (TPUSA) in all high schools and colleges throughout the state.
In a post on X, Patrick shared that during a lengthy phone conversation with TPUSA executives, he reminisced about his experiences with the organization’s founder, Charlie Kirk, who was tragically killed on September 10 while addressing students at Utah Valley University. Patrick noted he is continually motivated by Kirk’s ambition to “identify, educate, train, and organize students to promote freedom and free market principles.”
The lieutenant governor pointed out that he hadn’t intended to make a donation but felt compelled by divine inspiration to contribute.
“This morning, I announced that @KenPaxtonTX and I will be speaking at a @TPUSA event at the University of Houston on November 11,” Patrick mentioned in his post. “Yesterday, I had an extensive discussion with Turning Point executives regarding the initiative to create TPUSA chapters at every high school and college in Texas.”
He continued in his post:
At the end of the call, I shared some great memories of Charlie Kirk from the 2017 Trump inauguration. We intended to celebrate at the Trump Hotel, walking in together, which sparked our conversation.
I was always motivated by his mission to educate and organize students to advance freedom, free markets, and limited government. Charlie had absolute faith in his vision and bravely shared his beliefs on campus, captivating many.
I hadn’t planned to donate until our conversation, but I felt moved to make a significant donation to initiate the project in Texas.
I contributed $1 million from my campaign in memory of that young man who once shared his aspirations with me, hoping others will get involved, even if it’s just a small contribution. He devoted his life to this mission, and to Christ.
“The extent to which his vision expands beyond his expectations will rely on how this initiative is utilized,” Patrick remarked.
Patrick also emphasized that Texas has the resources and spirit to establish more chapters than any other state or even many nations. Following Kirk’s death, TPUSA—founded with Bill Montgomery in 2012—experienced a notable rise in interest for new chapters across schools nationwide.
Reports indicate that the membership of the TPUSA chapter at the University of Texas at San Antonio effectively doubled after Kirk’s assassination. In a recent interview, a member noted the surge in support is likely to continue.
Within just five days, the TPUSA chapter at UTSA saw a significant increase in members. After a candlelight vigil honoring Kirk, it was reported that around 2,000 individuals gathered on campus to pay their respects to the late founder and free speech advocate, who had spoken in front of a vast audience just before his untimely passing.
In October, TPUSA also inaugurated a new wooden cross outside its headquarters in Phoenix to honor Kirk. Following his death, President Donald Trump recognized him posthumously with the Presidential Medal of Freedom on what would have been his birthday.
