Kristi Noem

Kristi Noem is an American politician who served as the 33rd governor of South Dakota from 2019 to 2025. A member of the Republican Party, she gained prominence in both state and national politics, having previously represented South Dakota's at-large congressional district in the U.S. House of Representatives from 2011 to 2019. Noem's tenure as governor was marked by her conservative positions on various issues, including immigration, gun rights, and abortion, as well as her controversial handling of the COVID-19 pandemic. Following her governorship, she briefly held the position of the United States Secretary of Homeland Security from 2025 to 2026.

Early life and career

Kristi Lynn Arnold Noem was born on November 30, 1971, in Watertown, South Dakota. She was raised on a family ranch and farm near Hazel, South Dakota, alongside her siblings. Her family has Norwegian ancestry, and she is a descendant of Ephraim Wilson, a soldier in the American Revolutionary War. During her high school years, Noem was recognized as the South Dakota Snow Queen in 1990, a title she earned while attending Hamlin High School in Hayti.

Noem began her higher education at Northern State University in 1990 but did not complete her degree due to personal circumstances. In March 1994, following the tragic death of her father in a grain bin accident, she left college to manage the family farm. Shortly thereafter, she gave birth to her daughter, Kassidy, on April 21, 1994. In addition to running the farm, Noem expanded the family business by adding a hunting lodge and restaurant, with the assistance of her siblings.

To further her education, Noem took classes at the Watertown campus of Mount Marty College and South Dakota State University, as well as online courses from the University of South Dakota. She ultimately earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science from South Dakota State University in 2012, while concurrently serving as a U.S. representative. Her time in Congress was noted for her significant involvement, leading to her being dubbed "Capitol Hill's most powerful intern" by a major publication.

Noem's political career began in earnest when she was elected to the South Dakota House of Representatives in 2006, representing the 6th district. She won her initial election with a plurality of the vote and was subsequently reelected in 2008. During her four-year tenure, she served as an assistant majority leader and sponsored several bills that became law, including measures aimed at property tax reform and the expansion of gun rights in the state. Additionally, she was involved in agricultural policy discussions as vice chair of the Agriculture Land Assessment Advisory Task Force.

Governorship

In 2018, Kristi Noem made history by becoming the first female governor of South Dakota after winning the gubernatorial election. Her campaign received notable support from President Donald Trump, which helped elevate her profile within the Republican Party. Noem officially took office in January 2019 and served until 2025, marking a single term in the gubernatorial role.

During her governorship, Noem gained national attention for her approach to the COVID-19 pandemic. She opposed statewide mask mandates, advocating instead for voluntary measures. This decision was met with both support and criticism, reflecting the polarized views on pandemic management across the United States. Her administration emphasized personal responsibility and economic considerations in response to the health crisis.

Noem's policies during her time as governor were characterized by a strong conservative stance. She maintained a focus on issues such as gun rights, abortion, and immigration, aligning closely with the Republican Party's platform. Her administration also promoted economic development initiatives, particularly in rural areas, and sought to enhance South Dakota's appeal as a destination for businesses and tourists.

In January 2026, following her governorship, Noem was appointed as the United States Secretary of Homeland Security. However, her tenure in this role was marked by controversy, particularly regarding her immigration policies and actions taken by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). These controversies included her defense of specific incidents involving federal agents, which led to calls for her resignation or impeachment from some lawmakers.

Policy focus and legacy

Kristi Noem's policy focus during her governorship and congressional tenure was rooted in conservative principles. She was a vocal advocate for gun rights, supporting legislation aimed at expanding access to firearms and opposing measures perceived as infringing on Second Amendment rights. Her commitment to these issues resonated with her constituents and aligned with broader Republican values.

On the subject of abortion, Noem took a firm stance against the procedure, co-sponsoring legislation aimed at federally banning abortion and defining human life as beginning at fertilization. Her actions reflected a commitment to the pro-life movement, which has been a significant aspect of her political identity.

Noem's environmental policies were characterized by skepticism towards the scientific consensus on climate change. She advocated for an "all-of-the-above energy approach," promoting renewable energy sources while also emphasizing the importance of traditional energy production methods. Her support for projects like the Keystone XL Pipeline underscored her commitment to energy independence and economic growth.

Throughout her political career, Noem has been a prominent figure in South Dakota politics, known for her ability to navigate complex political landscapes and her alignment with conservative values. Her legacy as the first female governor of South Dakota and her subsequent role at the federal level reflect her significant impact on both state and national political discourse. As she transitioned from state leadership to a federal position, her policies and actions continued to shape discussions on key issues facing the nation.