South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem, once considered a strong contender for Donald Trump's vice presidential pick, has recommended that the presumptive Republican presidential nominee select a woman as his running mate. Noem's suggestion comes as recent polls indicate a decline in Trump's support from female voters.

During an appearance on CNN's "State of the Union," Noem emphasized the impact of having a woman assisting Trump on the campaign trail. She stated, "Having a woman that is helping him campaign makes a difference. Listen, I could be home in bed or feeding my horses or rocking my grandbabies, but I'm in Wisconsin because I believe President Trump needs to win."

Noem further highlighted the key policy areas that resonate with women voters, such as small business policies, child care, and healthcare, which she believes Trump has struggled to address effectively. Recent polling data from Quinnipiac University reveals that Trump's support from female voters dipped by 5% following the civil lawsuit brought by E. Jean Carroll, alleging sexual assault and defamation. Additionally, Trump's legal troubles, including a conviction on multiple felony counts relating to hush money payments, have also impacted his appeal to women voters.

Notably, Trump faced similar challenges in 2016 when his chances were threatened by the release of the infamous "Access Hollywood" tape featuring his inappropriate remarks about nonconsensual sexual advances. Noem pointed out that polls consistently demonstrate that having a woman on the ticket enhances Trump's chances of winning swing states.

Interestingly, Noem's remarks come at a time when she finds herself excluded from Trump's shortlist for the vice presidential position. According to NBC News, Trump has narrowed down his search to four candidates: North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum, Florida Senator Marco Rubio, South Carolina Senator Tim Scott, and Ohio Senator JD Vance. Despite this, Noem reaffirmed her loyalty to Trump, emphasizing her commitment to serving South Dakota. She stated, "I don't care. I love my job in South Dakota."

Noem's position as a prospective running mate was recently marred by controversy surrounding a passage in her new memoir. In the memoir, she recounted a situation from decades ago where she made the difficult decision to shoot and kill her 14-month-old puppy, Cricket, due to safety concerns linked with its aggressive behavior towards livestock. Despite facing backlash, Noem has consistently defended her choice, branding it as a necessary measure taken to safeguard her children.

As the 2024 presidential election looms, Noem's call for a female running mate in Trump's camp underscores the importance of appealing to women voters. While her own prospects for the vice presidential position appear uncertain, Noem remains committed to her role as South Dakota's governor and to supporting Trump's bid for reelection.