GOP Presidential Candidates’ Cabinet Members’ Positions on 2024

Jackson RichmanSeptember 1, 2023

While most of those who served under former President Donald Trump’s cabinet reportedly declined or will ‌not say whether⁤ they support their former‌ boss, there⁤ is more loyalty by those who served in the cabinets of⁣ at least half of the others in the GOP presidential primary.

The Epoch Times‍ reached out to those who served in the ‌cabinets of former Govs. Nikki Haley (R-S.C.),‌ Mike Pence (R-Ind.),‌ Chris Christie (R-N.J.) and Asa Hutchinson (R-Ark.) and to those ⁣who have served under Govs. Ron DeSantis (R-Fla.) and Doug Burgum (R-N.D.). Most did not respond to requests for comment,‍ and many ‍could not be reached.

Trump

Of Mr. Trump’s⁢ 42 former cabinet members, only four are supporting his third run for the White House, reported NBC News: former⁢ Office of Management and Budget Director Russ Vought, former White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows, former acting Attorney⁣ General Matthew ‍Whittaker, former acting Director of National Intelligence Richard Grenell.

Burgum

Of the 49 current and former Burgum cabinet members, 12 responded. Nine of them expressed support for⁣ Mr. Burgum, who has been the governor of North Dakota since 2016, while three declined to comment.

Shawn Kessel, who served as ‍interim commerce commissioner of North Dakota and is now the state’s ‍deputy commerce commissioner, said‍ in an email that he is supporting Mr. Burgum’s candidacy because the businessman-turned-governor “is one⁣ of the smartest people I know” and due to “his vision and his philosophy ‍of ‘innovation over regulation,’ his focus and understanding of economics, his understanding of the value of small towns in the United States ⁣(especially as it relates to ⁤workforce) and the ⁢practicality he brings to the energy discussion.”

Pam ⁣Sharp, who led the ‌North Dakota ‌Office of Management and Budget, said she is backing Mr. Burgum’s run⁢ for the White House “because I absolutely do not want Donald⁣ Trump to get the nomination.”

Leann Bertsch, former North Dakota Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation director, said that⁢ she is supporting her former boss as “he is a wonderful governor and an amazing leader.”

“Our country needs an intelligent and thoughtful person like⁤ Governor Burgum to lead our nation,” she added.

Mylynn Tufte, who ⁣led the Peace Garden State’s health department, ⁤remarked ⁤she is “enthusiastically supporting” Mr. Burgum.

“I’ve witnessed firsthand his ⁣level of leadership and know‌ that he has the knowledge, courage and passion to do ⁤what’s right for⁢ the American people…just like he’s done for North Dakotans,” ‍she said. “His platform of the economy, energy and national security are important items that will advance health,⁣ safety and well-being for all.”

Josh Teigen, who is North Dakota’s commerce commissioner, stated he “unequivocally support[s] his boss’ run.

“No‌ one is better suited to lead this country than Doug Burgum,” he said.‌ “A Burgum presidency would lead our country to‌ new ⁣heights of energy ⁢security, ⁣national security, and economic prosperity for all‌ Americans. Burgum has the ability to unite both sides‌ of‍ the aisle, which is needed⁤ more than ever in DC.”

Bill Panos, who led the North Dakota Department of Transportation, said‌ he is “very supportive” of Mr. Burgum’s candidacy. He did not respond‌ to a follow-up request for comment to ⁤elaborate on ⁣why he supports his former boss.

Joe Morrissette, who was the director of the North Dakota Office of Management and Budget, said he backs Mr. Burgum’s run and, while not involved in the‌ campaign, he donated to his campaign.

“I appreciate his common sense approach to economic‌ policy and energy ⁣policy,” he said.

Scott Davis, who was executive director⁤ of the North Dakota Indian Affairs Commission, cited Mr. Burgum’s “work ethic, his strong policy background ‍on economics, health care, infrastructure, education, oil and energy gas” and the governor as an assessable leader as the reasons behind his support of Mr. Burgum’s⁢ candidacy.

“I‌ see candidate Burgum as the only candidate out there that is wanting to direct his resources, his campaign efforts towards a new country,” he said. ”And I⁢ told him that would⁢ assist him on that.”

Mr. Davis also cited⁢ Mr. Burgum’s experience in reaching out to North Dakota’s Indian tribes and, when⁣ it comes to the foreign policy he lacks as governor, Mr. Burgum’s⁢ global business experience.

Shawn Riley, who‌ was North Dakota’s chief information officer, said he supports Mr. Burgum’s run for the Oval Office as he ”is a‌ true servant leader” and‌ “sets pride and ego aside and honestly ⁣works to help people.”

“His policies are common sense and ⁤truly⁤ push America back to a prosperous future,” he said.

Cheri Schoenfish, who was North Dakota’s first Chief People Officer, said she supports Mr. Burgum’s run for president.

“I ⁢have witnessed, first hand, Doug’s leadership skills for over 30 years,” she said.‌ “He ‌has the unique ability‌ to listen,‍ learn and unite people. I do believe that is what our country needs right now.”

Kelsey Roth, who succeeded Ms. Schoenfish, and⁣ Susan Sisk, who heads North Dakota’s Office of ‍Management and Budget, declined to comment. Maj. Gen. Alan ⁢Dohrmann, the adjutant general of the North Dakota National Guard, declined to ⁢comment in accordance with ‌The Hatch Act,⁣ which includes prohibiting federal ‌officials from endorsing a candidate.

Haley

For Ms. Haley, who served as South Carolina governor between 2011 and‌ 2017, just seven of her 36 former cabinet members responded to whether they are⁤ supporting her or would support her if she becomes the GOP nominee (William B. Byars, Jr.,⁢ who headed the Palmetto State’s Department of Juvenile Justice and Department of ⁢Corrections, died in 2019). Six of them said they are backing her quest to become America’s ⁢first⁢ female president.

Those ‍who are‌ supporting her in the primary provided ⁤reasons from executive experience to characteristics such as leadership.

Richele Taylor, who served⁢ as South Carolina’s Director⁤ of Labor, Licensing and Regulation,⁤ called Ms. Haley “a straight‍ shooter who‌ gets things done” and cited that as governor, “she handled pressing issues and was not afraid to take on difficult topics and solve problems.”

“She⁢ also inspires her team to work as hard as she does,” she said.

Holly Pisarik, who succeeded Ms. Taylor and was Ms. Haley’s chief legal counsel, cited Ms. Haley’s “deep love for⁣ our state and country, ability to lead through prosperous and difficult times, toughness to stand up ⁢for what is right, and unwavering commitment to making ‍us a stronger nation” and that “she is ‌what our country needs.”

Kevin Shwedo, the executive director of the Palmetto State’s Department of Motor Vehicles, remarked that she “was expert⁢ at providing intent, guidance and oversight that empowered members of the cabinet” and that she got the ⁣job done in times of need.

Mr. Shwedo, ‌who called himself an unconditional supporter of Ms. Haley, said that “during periods of disaster, she was able to provide ‘strategic’ guidance to guarantee not only the fastest recovery of any state I am aware of, but ensured both ⁤state and federal money went to those with the greatest need.”

Cheryl Stanton, who was executive director of the South Carolina Department ⁤of Employment and Workforce, simply said she⁢ is supporting her former boss. She declined⁤ to elaborate on the ⁤record.

Anthony Keck, who led the South Carolina Department ⁢of Health and Human Services, said that Ms. Haley “consistently prioritized ‍the concerns of her constituents above all else.

“And, as an American, ⁤I am so proud that she stood up to Russia, China, Iran, and North Korea as our Ambassador to the [United Nations].”

Duane Parrish, the director of the South Carolina Department of Parks, Recreation & Tourism, is supporting Ms. Haley’s ⁤candidacy due to her leadership,‍ namely in times of need, ⁣her genuineness, and for bettering the Palmetto⁢ State’s economy.

Kela Thomas, who led the South ‌Carolina Department of Probation, Parole and Pardon Services and is now‌ a state magistrate judge, declined to comment as the magistrate’s office said she is ethically prohibited from supporting any ⁤candidate.

Christie

For Mr. Christie, who was New⁣ Jersey’s governor between 2010 and 2018, ⁤of his 51 former cabinet members, just four responded (Jamie Fox, who led New Jersey’s transportation department, died in 2017). All said they are supporting his presidential campaign.

Former Lt. Gov. Kim Guadagno (R-N.J.) is supporting her former boss’ campaign. She did not respond to a follow-up request asking why she ⁣supports Mr. Christie’s bid.

Andrew Sidamon-Eristoff, who was the ‍Garden State’s treasurer, said⁢ that‍ Mr. Christie is “a strong leader of integrity, intellect,‍ and practical center-right⁣ moderation” and “has the vision, energy, and skills to⁢ move the Republican Party beyond Donald Trump and our bitterly divided country forward.”

Mary O’Dowd, ⁢who was‌ the commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Health,‍ said she “strongly” backs Mr. Christie’s campaign and remarked that “it’s refreshing to have a pragmatic leader talking about how to bring ⁤people with different perspectives together to solve the difficult problems facing the American people.

“Christie has a clear record of doing just that in New Jersey.”

Gary Lanigan, who was the commissioner of the Garden State’s Department of Corrections, remarked that Mr. Christie’s “handling ‌of Hurricane Sandy is an excellent example‍ of ⁢his ⁣ability to⁤ rise‍ above ⁢party politics for the good⁣ of the citizens.” ⁢He cited Mr. Christie’s experience reaching across the aisle.

“His handshake with President [Barack] Obama and close work with Senate President [Stephen] ‌Sweeney are examples of his ability to reach across the aisle and achieve results,” he said. “I think this is ‌exactly what our country needs today.”