In 2024, six women — two Democrats and four Republicans — will be in a unique position to influence the outcome of the election campaign. Yet the 2024 election campaign cycle also sees six women — two Democrats and four Republicans — uniquely positioned to affect the outcome.
Since fighting for and earning the right to vote in 1920, American women have made tremendous strides in winning state and federal offices. Suffrage movement leaders could never have imagined the power and influence these six women could have on a presidential election just 100 years later.
Democrats
Vice President Kamala Harris:
Age 59Given President Joe Biden’s advanced age, Harris is widely perceived as a drag on his reelection prospects. She is burdened with an average favorable/unfavorable rating of 37 percent to 55 percent, slightly worse than or tied with the president’s underwater favorable rating, which averages out at 40 percent to 56 percent.
Therefore, as 2024 unfolds, expect the Republican rallying cry of “Vote for Biden, elect Harris” to reach a crescendo. If powerful Democratic forces are able to get rid of the underperforming Biden/Harris ticket there is a high chance that Harris would launch her own presidential campaign. In a crowded and wild primary, vice president Harris has an advantage because she is the incumbent. She would also have the support of the majority female and non-white Democratic base. In the end, expect Harris to remain on the 2024 ticket, either in first or second place.
Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer :
Age 521Whitmer was re-elected as governor of Michigan in 2022. She is now a major-state governor with a limited term who has emerged as a top presidential candidate for 2028. In 2024, Whitmer will be the media surrogate of the Biden-Harris team, charged with delivering Michigan’s 15 electoral votes. Whitmer will be “the woman to look out for” if the ticket is shaken up. She could become a possible presidential or vice-presidential candidate. Yet even assuming the Biden-Harris ticket is secure, Whitmer is all systems go as a Democratic Party power player and fundraising force for the future.
Republicans
Rep. Elise Stefanik, 39, is a Trump-loyalist who is known for her no-nonsense, uber-ambitious style. She has said that she speaks to Trump frequently and is positioning herself to be Trump’s vice-presidential nominee.
On Nov. 9, 2022, in what could be considered shameless self-promotion bordering on Trump idolatry — Stefanik preemptively endorsed Trump for president ahead of his official Nov. 15 announcement.Making herself indispensable to the former president, on or off the House floor, Stefanik is often first to the microphones defending, justifying or rationalizing Trump’s behavior, no matter how egregious.
As a Harvard graduate (which Trump loves), Stefanik’s accession to the ticket depends on Trump remaining a force and winning the presidential nomination. The intelligent and politically savvy Congresswoman is not one to be overshadowed by Trump. This fact favors her choice as his running mate. Kristi Noem:
Age 51
Is Noem trying too hard to be Trump’s vice president?
When then-President Trump visited Mount Rushmore on July 3, 2020, Gov. Noem gave him a model of the iconic presidential monument, adding Trump’s face alongside those of Washington, Jefferson, Lincoln and Teddy Roosevelt.
While elevating Trump’s ego, Noem is not shy about using attention-getting tactics to boost her chances of potentially being named his running mate. Not only did the twice-elected governor endorse Trump with much fanfare during his recent South Dakota visit, but The Hill reported that Noem had she would serve as his running mate “in a heartbeat.”
Recently, Noem raised her national profile by starring in ads promoting job opportunities in South Dakota. Was she auditioning to a single audience for vice president while dressed up as a welder, plumber and electrician? Noem is a risky, untested choice. She has a tendency to draw drama and she could even outshine former President Obama. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene :
Age 491001010Known as MTG in the media, she is the “face” of the House GOP. She is a prominent Trump promoter, defender, and apologist. She keeps Trump’s number in her phone. Depending on one’s perspective, Greene is either a headline-changing MAGA star who raises millions for the party, or an embarrassing national punchline.
MTG might run for higher office or House leadership, as she is seemingly gaining political momentum and power. Trump might choose her to be his running mate. She will compete for his attention, and she may cause trouble by ranting on the campaign trail. If chosen, Democrats will point to MTG as another reason the 77-year-old former president must be defeated.
Former South Carolina Gov. UN Ambassador Nikki Haley
Age 51
Haley, the only candidate for president on this list, is the former South Carolina governor. Three national polls have shown that she has defeated President Biden. Haley’s newfound momentum stems from her outstanding performance in the debate on August 28, which moved her up to third place. Trump still leads his former UN Ambassador with an astonishing poll average of 55% to 59. Haley’s future is uncertain and filled with questions, as it is unlikely that she will be Trump’s running mate. Will Haley continue her truth-to-power about Trump’s failures in the next round GOP debates? Haley could become a Trump-bashing media pundit. Will she support Trump, if he wins the GOP nomination? Haley is currently a wildcard for 2024, but her complex, long-lasting relationship with Trump will be one to watch. They only have one thing in common: a “relationship with Donald Trump”, who either loves them or hates them. Among other things, this keeps them all relevant and influential.
served on the creative team of two GOP presidential campaigns in 2004 and 2008.Copyright 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.