Former President Donald Trump has confirmed that South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem is on his shortlist of potential running mates for the general election.
During a town hall on Fox News, Trump acknowledged Noem’s inclusion in the list of potential vice presidential candidates when questioned by host Laura Ingraham.
Ingraham listed several high-profile Republicans, including Ron DeSantis, Tim Scott, Vivek Ramaswamy, Byron Donalds, and Noem, along with former Democratic presidential primary candidate Tulsi Gabbard, as potential running mates.
Trump confirmed that these individuals are being considered, describing them as “good” and emphasizing the importance of common sense in navigating the country’s challenges.
Trump expressed his criteria for a vice president, noting that he is looking for someone who would be a “good president” in the event that circumstances require them to assume the role. The former president highlighted the need for individuals with common sense to address the complexities facing the country.
Noem, who became South Dakota’s first female governor in 2018, served as the state’s lone member of the U.S. House of Representatives from 2010 until her gubernatorial election.
The inclusion of Noem, along with other prominent Republicans, indicates that Trump is actively considering potential running mates as the 2024 election approaches.
It is still months away from the typical timeframe when presidential candidates announce their running mates. In 2016, Trump selected Mike Pence as his vice president on July 16, while Joe Biden announced Kamala Harris as his running mate on August 11, 2020.
As the political landscape evolves, the selection of a running mate will be a critical decision for Trump or any other presidential candidate seeking to build a strong and diverse ticket.