In the runup to the 2024 Republican presidential primary, many people thought that South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem was going to run. She’s young and popular, and she’s had a mostly good run as governor of one of the reddest states in the country. She ended up not running for some reason, and she’s finally explaining why. Gov. Noem has also strongly hinted that she might endorse President Donald Trump when he comes to South Dakota on September 8th.
President Trump will be speaking at the South Dakota Republican Party’s Monumental Leaders Rally in Rapid City.
“People were thrilled that he’s coming—we’re excited that he’s coming to help our Republican Party,” says Noem. “But, you know, he is inspirational. People always show up to hear something interesting. And yeah, you’ll hear something from me, too.”
Noem first came to prominence during the COVID-19 pandemic when she was one of the few conservative governors who refused to shut her state down and destroy people’s lives. While governors like Ron DeSantis were locking down their economies, imposing mask mandates, shutting down beaches, and arresting pastors for holding church services (yes, DeSantis actually did all that), Gov. Noem kept South Dakota open for business. Everyone in the state went about their business, and it didn’t result in the death and destruction that the media predicted.
When asked why she didn’t jump into the race for the Republican nomination this year, Noem gave a very straightforward answer to the Epoch Times.
“The fact is, none of [the other GOP candidates] can win as long as Trump’s in the race. And that’s just a fact. So, why run if you can’t win?”
Noem is expected to offer President Trump her full endorsement in Rapid City next month. The latest rumors from the campaign trail indicate that she could be on President Trump’s shortlist when it comes to choosing a vice presidential running mate.
