College Republicans Civil War

Four groups are vying for dominance, but can they achieve unity to further their cause?

- BY ALEX J. ROUHANDEH

THE REPUBLICAN PARTY RELIED HEAVILY on Turning Point USA Founder Charlie Kirk's influence among young voters to cement a second term for President Donald Trump last year, making significant gains among 18 to 29-year-olds, according to Pew Research analysis. The gap in support for Trump among this age group narrowed from 30 points in 2016 to 19 in 2024, suggesting the GOP has cemented more broad appeal among this bloc—one that has typically been heavily Democratic.

But Kirk’s assassination could prove a threat to that trajectory.

While Turning Point maintains a sprawling network across college campuses, young conservatives who spoke to Newsweek say the organization operated heavily from the top down and benefited largely from Kirk’s skill and star power.

Some Republicans don’t think they should need to rely on Turning Point to see continued gains in the young vote.

In 1892, future Pennsylvania Congressman James F. Burke spearheaded the founding of the American Republican College League at the University of Michigan, which went on to become the College Republican National Committee.

Like the College Democrats of America, founded in 1932, College Republicans has long been an entry point for future leaders in U.S. politics, from President Calvin Coolidge to even former Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton before she switched parties in law school.

The CRNC could be poised to build on Kirk’s gains among young voters. However, the group has fractured within recent years, leading to multiple branches—and drama. There are currently four competing top College Republican factions: the CRNC, College Republicans United, the National Federation of College Republicans and College Republicans of America.

Each says they best represent the MAGA coalition, each has issues with the other, and each told Newsweek they would like a unified College Republicans group.