Trump scores South Dakota governor’s 2024 endorsement at rally

South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem endorsed Donald Trump at a campaign rally on Friday, potentially boosting the former president’s lead in the Republican Party’s 2024 presidential primary race.
A rising star in the party, Noem has long been mentioned as a possible running mate for Trump should he win the nomination. Her endorsement will likely add fuel to that speculation.
Noem announced her “full and complete endorsement” of Trump at an evening rally in Rapid City, South Dakota, attended by thousands of the former president’s supporters.
With the first nominating contest in Iowa still months away, only a handful of Republican governors have officially endorsed candidates in the crowded primary.
Republican strategist Matt Dole said Noem’s move to endorse at this early stage suggests she is increasingly confident that Trump, who is far ahead of Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and other rivals in national polls, will win the primary.