45th President Donald Trump gave Gov. Kristi Noem, R-S.D., his “Complete and Total Endorsement” for reelection on Tuesday.
“Kristi Noem has done a great job as Governor of South Dakota,” Trump wrote in a statement on Tuesday.
“She is strong on Borders, the Second Amendment, preserving land and Energy Dominance, Medical Freedom, and kept South Dakota open during COVID,” he continued.
Noem, a long-time supporter of President Trump, gained national attention for refusing to shut down South Dakota during the Covid-19 pandemic. She also was one of the few governors who never imposed mask or vaccine mandates.
The Republican governor also deployed 48 National Guard troops to the southern border in July to assist Texas and Arizona with the border crisis.
“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!” said Trump.
In response to her endorsement, Noem stated that she was “honored and humbled” to have Trump’s support.
“Since being elected Governor, I have worked to bring President Trump’s America First agenda to the state levin in South Dakota by cutting burdensome regulations, keeping government out of the way of South Dakota small business owners and job creators, and supporting South Dakota law enforcement,” the governor said according to Argus Leader.
Noem, who was elected governor in 2018, is running for reelection to a second term. Trump originally asked Noem to primary Sen. John Thune, R-S.D., who insists that no discrepancies occurred in the 2020 presidential election, but she declined.
Noem has also been rumored to be a possible presidential or vice presidential candidate in 2024.
