Governor Kristi Noem of South Dakota has recently urged former President Donald Trump to consider the benefits of selecting a female vice-presidential candidate, as she works to rebuild her reputation after several controversies have damaged her standing as a potential running mate.
During an appearance on CNN’s State of the Union, Noem highlighted poll data suggesting that a woman on the ticket could improve Trump’s chances in swing states. “Polls indicate that having a woman on the ticket can help him win key states,” Noem stated. “A significant portion of Republican women remain undecided, as they want to hear about issues from someone who understands their perspectives. Women have diverse concerns; they are not focused on just one issue.”
Despite this, reports indicate that Noem may not be among Trump’s top choices for a running mate. His current shortlist includes notable figures such as Senators Tim Scott, Marco Rubio, and J.D. Vance; Representatives Byron Donalds and Elise Stefanik; Governor Doug Burgum; and former HUD Secretary Ben Carson.
Noem’s recent missteps have likely influenced her exclusion from this list. One incident in April involved her book, in which she described killing her family’s puppy after it attacked chickens. This revelation sparked widespread condemnation. Prior to this, Noem faced backlash for promoting business products on social media, including a post about dental work she received and another endorsing a local insole company. These actions drew criticism and questions about potential financial motives.
Amid Trump’s ongoing legal troubles related to allegations of misconduct with women, some argue that a female vice-presidential candidate could help regain support from suburban women, a demographic that has drifted from the GOP. Trump’s legal challenges include a January civil trial where he was found liable for sexual assault and defamation against writer E. Jean Carroll, resulting in an $83.3 million judgment. Additionally, Trump was convicted of 34 charges related to falsifying business records to conceal an affair during the 2016 election.
Despite Trump’s appointment of Supreme Court justices who helped overturn Roe v. Wade, and his attempts to adopt a centrist stance on abortion, many strategists are skeptical about the impact of adding a female running mate. Jason Roe, a veteran Republican strategist, expressed doubts about whether this move would significantly change perceptions of Trump. He suggested that the optics of having a woman in the vice-presidential role could appear subservient and not necessarily enhance Trump’s appeal.
Similarly, Matt Dole, a political consultant, pointed out that Trump faces significant challenges with female voters and that directly addressing their concerns might be more effective than merely adding a woman to the ticket.
Polls reflect these challenges. For example, a January Quinnipiac University poll showed President Joe Biden leading Trump among women by 22 points. Another poll in April from the Wall Street Journal found that abortion was a crucial issue for 39% of suburban women in battleground states.
As Noem attempts to re-enter Trump’s consideration for vice president, she must navigate the dynamics of a campaign where Trump historically prefers running mates who do not outshine him. Brian Seitchik, a national Republican strategist, emphasized the importance of how independent voters, particularly those disillusioned with the current administration, will react to Trump’s legal issues.
Ultimately, Noem’s efforts to align herself with Trump again will require balancing her own ambitions with the need to complement Trump’s campaign without overshadowing him.