Former President Donald Trump endorsed South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem for her reelection bid in a Tuesday afternoon statement.
Trump praised her performance as governor, adding, “She is strong on Borders, the Second Amendment, preserving land and Energy Dominance, Medical Freedom, and kept South Dakota open during COVID.”
“She fully supports our great Law Enforcement, Military, our wonderful Vets — and is a fighter for the incredible people of South Dakota. Kristi has my Complete and Total Endorsement!”
WATCH: KRISTI NOEM SIGNS PROTECT FAIRNESS IN WOMEN’S SPORTS ACT
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President Donald J. Trump announces his endorsement of Governor Kristi Noem pic.twitter.com/lQVHFKmZLs
— Liz Harrington (@realLizUSA) February 8, 2022
Noem said she was honored to receive the former president’s endorsement.
Thank you, Mr. President. I appreciate your friendship and support over the years.
We’d love to have you back on July 4th for fireworks! pic.twitter.com/u1cpizP9wu
— Kristi Noem (@KristiNoem) February 8, 2022
“I look forward to continuing to fight for our shared agenda if elected to serve a second term as governor of the great state of South Dakota,” she added.
Noem faces a primary challenge in 2022 from state Rep. Steve Haugaard, who, in the past, has criticized her for not being conservative enough.
“Kristi Noem has been beholden to special interests, from the NCAA, to big business, to corporate lobbyists,” Haugaard said of his opponent during his formal campaign announcement in November.
His criticism didn’t fall on deaf ears. Last week, Noem signed a bill into law restricting biological males from participating in women’s sports.
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The legislation, SB 46, aims “to protect fairness in women’s sports” and preserve the ability of women and girls to compete against each other on a level playing field.
Noem is a rising star in the Republican Party, and there is speculation of her being named as a running mate or to various Cabinet positions should Trump run for president in 2024.
