Last updated on November 30th, 2023 at 06:18 am
South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem officially endorsed former President Donald Trump at a party fundraiser in Rapid City on Friday night.
This endorsement not only carries weight within the Republican Party but also fuels speculation about Trump’s choice for a running mate in the 2024 GOP primary.
Noem’s endorsement holds particular importance as many Republican governors have refrained from offering endorsements in the crowded primary field. Trump has been reportedly considering selecting a female running mate who is loyal and unlikely to overshadow his presence.
Kristi Noem Endorses Trump at Monumental Leaders Rally:
Governor Noem, often touted as a rising star in the Republican Party, has been a name frequently mentioned as a potential running mate for Trump if he secures the nomination. Her announcement only adds fuel to this speculation.
At the Trump rally in Rapid City, Noem declared her “full and complete endorsement” of the former president, addressing a crowd of thousands of his supporters. She expressed her commitment to doing everything in her power to support Trump’s bid and save the country.
While Noem briefly entertained the idea of a 2024 presidential bid herself, she firmly stated that no one else could win “as long as Trump’s in the race.”
In an interesting twist, Noem revealed that some of Trump’s primary rivals had been invited to attend the “Monumental Leaders Rally” but had declined the invitation. This further underscores the significance of her endorsement.
As Noem introduced Trump at the rally, she called for a repeat of the success he achieved during his previous term, stating, "You made America great again once; let’s do it again."
President Trump, currently the front-runner in the 2024 GOP primary, expressed his deep appreciation for Noem’s endorsement during his speech.
He lauded her as “one of the most successful governors in the entire nation” and a “warrior for American values.”
Trump acknowledged the unique circumstances of his first rally since his fourth indictment but used it as an applause line, saying, “I’m being indicted for you.” He then focused his speech on criticizing his Republican rivals and President Joe Biden’s policies.
While the 2024 presidential race is still in its early stages, Trump’s interest in selecting a female running mate has generated several potential names, including New York Rep. Elise Stefanik, Georgia Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, Arizona’s Kari Lake, Tennessee Senator Marsha Blackburn, Florida Rep. Byron Donalds, South Carolina Senator Tim Scott, and tech entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy.
Campaign spokesman Steven Cheung emphasized their current focus on securing the primary and transitioning toward the general election.
Trump’s return to the campaign trail comes as he faces four criminal indictments, but his popularity among Republican primary voters remains strong. He is set to attend the Iowa college football game between Iowa and Iowa State, signaling his commitment to campaigning in early-voting states.
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