Maine House Honors Controversial Activist Charlie Kirk with Resolution

The resolution, sponsored by Republican Rep. Reagan Paul, was approved without a roll call vote.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Maine House of Representatives on Thursday approved a resolution honoring Charlie Kirk, the controversial and influential founder of the Christian conservative group Turning Point USA, who was shot and killed in September. The resolution, sponsored by Rep. Reagan Paul, R-Winterport, praised Kirk's 'steadfast devotion to Christ, the Constitution, civil discourse and biblical truth' and condemned his assassination in Orem, Utah.

Why it matters

The resolution highlights the ongoing political divisions in the country, with Republicans praising Kirk's commitment to free speech and open debate, while Democrats remained silent. Kirk was a polarizing figure known for his conservative, and at times, inflammatory views on issues like LGBTQ rights and immigration.

The details

The resolution noted how Kirk's organization helped register 125,000 new voters ahead of the 2024 presidential election. It also condemned his assassination in Orem, Utah on Sept. 10, and extended condolences to his wife, Erika and his children. Several Republican lawmakers spoke in remembrance of Kirk, saying he embodied the values of the First Amendment and that his commitment to open debate should be an example for others to follow.

  • The resolution was approved by the Maine House of Representatives on Thursday, February 12, 2026.
  • Kirk was shot and killed in Orem, Utah on September 10, 2025.

The players

Charlie Kirk

The controversial and influential founder of the Christian conservative group Turning Point USA, who was shot and killed in September 2025.

Rep. Reagan Paul

The Republican state representative from Winterport, Maine who sponsored the resolution honoring Charlie Kirk.

Speaker of the House Ryan Fecteau

The Democratic Speaker of the Maine House of Representatives who presided over the debate on the resolution.

House Minority Leader Billy Bob Faulkingham

The Republican state representative from Winter Harbor, Maine who spoke in support of the resolution, saying Kirk's commitment to open debate should be an example for others to follow.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“'Charlie's steadfast devotion to Christ, the Constitution, civil discourse and biblical truth inspired a generation to cherish liberty and stand firm in their faith. Today we honor that legacy by vowing to carry his torch forward.'”

— Rep. Reagan Paul, Sponsor of the resolution (centralmaine.com)

“'If you hated what Charlie said, the good thing about him was he would give you a microphone and you could say all you wanted to say and speak your point. That was an example we should all follow, and that's what we should hold on to.'”

— House Minority Leader Billy Bob Faulkingham, Republican state representative (centralmaine.com)

What’s next

The resolution now moves to the Maine Senate for consideration.

The takeaway

The Maine House's approval of the resolution honoring Charlie Kirk highlights the ongoing political divisions in the country, with Republicans praising his commitment to free speech and open debate, while Democrats remained silent. The resolution's passage underscores the continued influence and legacy of Kirk, a polarizing figure known for his conservative and at times inflammatory views.