Gov. Kristi Noem Backs Trump During South Dakota Visit

South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem expressed her endorsement of former President Donald Trump during a party fundraiser in South Dakota on Friday. The event served as an opportunity for Noem to position herself as a potential candidate for vice president.

Trump headlined the “Monumental Leaders Rally” organized by the South Dakota Republican Party in Rapid City, while his rivals engaged in town halls and meet-and-greets in early voting states. Noem appeared alongside Trump at the paid event, aiming to create an image resembling a presidential ticket, according to anonymous sources familiar with her thinking.

Noem formally offered her endorsement by stating, “I will do everything I can to help him win and save this country,” before Trump took the stage. She revealed that all Republican presidential candidates had been invited to the event, but only Trump accepted the invitation.

Despite facing multiple indictments and felony counts, Trump’s decision to headline the event highlighted his dominance in the Republican race. South Dakota’s late primary and lack of competitiveness in a general election makes it less crucial to campaign in the state. Consequently, Trump focuses more on state party events to reach large, receptive audiences without incurring campaign expenses.

The visit also served as an audition for Noem, who strategically planned the event to both endorse Trump and secure face time with him. Noem’s term as governor ends in 2026, and after deciding not to run for president this year, she aims to remain influential within the GOP.

Michael Card, a South Dakota political observer, suggested that Noem could pursue a career as the president of the National Rifle Association or a conservative commentator. However, aligning herself with Trump offers her the best opportunity, considering his chances of being reelected.

Reflecting on Trump’s odds of winning, Card said, “I think Donald Trump has a 50-50 shot of getting elected at this point, so why not hitch your wagon to him if you can?”

While serious discussions about Trump’s running mate are premature, he has indicated a preference for selecting a female candidate this time. Other potential contenders include Rep. Elise Stefanik from New York, Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene from Georgia, Kari Lake, who unsuccessfully ran for the Arizona governorship, and Sen. Marsha Blackburn from Tennessee. Rep. Byron Donalds from Florida and Trump’s current rivals, Sen. Tim Scott from South Carolina and tech entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy, have also been mentioned.

Trump will be attending the college football game between Iowa and Iowa State in Iowa, the first state on the GOP nomination calendar, on Saturday.

Noem was once seen as a potential White House contender, but she stated in November 2021 that she did not believe Trump offered the best chance for the party in 2024. However, she expressed willingness to join a potential Trump ticket if asked, emphasizing the need for a strong partner who understands business and family life.

This visit marked Trump’s first trip to South Dakota since the summer of 2020,…