Erika Frantzve was thrown into the limelight after marrying conservative political commentator Charlie Kirk in 2021 — and the spotlight is shining even brighter after his sudden death.
Kirk, a controversial right-wing conservative commentator and founder of Turning Point USA, was shot on Wednesday, September 10, while speaking at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah. He was rushed to the hospital but later died from his injuries. Kirk was 31.
“It’s with a heavy heart that we, the Turning Point USA leadership team, write to notify you that early this afternoon, Charlie went to his eternal reward with Jesus Christ in Heaven,” Turning Point USA said in a statement at the time.
As Kirk’s visibility grew to become one of the more influential voices in conservative media — he hosted “The Charlie Kirk Show” podcast — his wife continued to support his career and their shared evangelical Christian values.
“Life, weirdly enough, is a countdown … you don’t get forever,” Frantzve wrote via Instagram in August, sharing photos of her life with her late husband and their children. “My favorite photos lately have been seeing the beginnings of a kiss with my husband. The before. The in-between. The after. This … everything in these photos are the fleeting fullness we prayed for.”
Scroll down to learn more about Frantzve:
Erika Is a Former Miss Arizona USA
While attending Arizona State University, Frantzve, who is from Scottsdale, was crowned 2012 Miss Arizona USA. She was competing as Miss Phoenix before going on to represent Arizona in the Miss USA pageant.
According to her official website, Frantzve was “honored” to win the title of Miss Arizona USA, which “highlighted her poise, dedication, and inner strength.”
She Married Charlie in 2021
Frantzve met Kirk in September 2018 and knew by the end of the night they were meant to be.
“5 years ago today, we sat inside Bills Burgers in NYC deep in conversation and banter over theology, philosophy, and politics and at the end, you paused, looked at me and said, ‘I’m going to date you,’” Frantzve recalled via Instagram in September 2023. “Dating with intention to marry is way different than dating to ‘see where it goes.’ Let God write your love story.”
The pair got engaged in December 2020 and tied the knot in May 2021 in her hometown of Scottsdale.
“A year ago, we stood at that altar making the most precious covenant with God as we became one flesh. A deep transformation and unification that I’ll never be able to put into words,” she wrote via Instagram in May 2022. “A year of adventure. Of laughter. Of endless memories. God knew all along, it was you. Charles James you are my today and all of my tomorrow’s. How blessed I am to have you as my husband and how honored I am to be your wife. May our marriage continue to glorify God. I love you endlessly.”
Erika Has Multiple Degrees
Frantzve played basketball at Regis University before transferring to Arizona State University. She graduated in 2012 with a degree in political science and international relations. Frantzve received her Juris Master Degree in American/U.S. law/legal studies/jurisprudence from Liberty University, according to her LinkedIn. She later earned a Doctor of Education from the same institution in 2022.
“This one’s for you. For the loved ones and dear friends in my life that supported me throughout the past two years as I kept my head buried in law school books. Who understood when I said, ‘I’m sorry, I can’t, I have a test due before midnight,’” Frantzve wrote via Instagram in May 2019 after obtaining her masters. “To the one’s that sent me insane amounts of encouragement & prayer as I silently pursued this degree and made my own career sacrifices (like turning down being a cast member for @bravotv Summer House & other various TV show opportunities).”
She added: “This weekend has your names written all over it, as I walked across stage, heart swollen with gratitude, receiving my JM from Liberty University School of Law with honors. How blessed I feel to be able to call this incredible school my alma mater.”⠀
She Shares 2 Children With Charlie
Frantzve gave birth to her and Kirk’s first baby in August 2022 — a daughter, whose name and face they have kept off of social media. The pair expanded their family in May 2024 with the birth of their son.
“Happy Mother’s Day Erika. There is no greater mother, wife, or friend than you. God’s greatest blessing to us!” Kirk wrote via an Instagram tribute in May.
She Owns a Clothing Brand Centered Around Religion
The mother of two is also a businesswoman, having founded Proclaim Streetwear in December 2018. The clothing brand is religious in nature and “purpose-driven for the Kingdom,” according to its official Instagram page.
Frantzve is also the host of the “Midweek Rise Up” podcast and leader in Biblein365 as well as a public speaker.
