Kristi Noem

Kristi Lynn Arnold Noem is a former American politician who served as a member of the South Dakota House of Representatives from 2007 to 2011, representing the 6th legislative district. A member of the Republican Party, she has held various political positions, including serving as the 33rd governor of South Dakota from 2019 to 2025 and as a U.S. representative from South Dakota's at-large congressional district from 2011 to 2019. Born on November 30, 1971, in Watertown, South Dakota, Noem's early life and career laid the foundation for her subsequent political endeavors.

Early life and career

Kristi Noem was born to Corinne and Ron Arnold in Watertown, South Dakota. She grew up on a family ranch and farm located near Hazel, South Dakota, where she was raised alongside her siblings. Noem has Norwegian ancestry and is a descendant of Ephraim Wilson, a soldier who fought in the American Revolutionary War. During her high school years, she achieved recognition when she was crowned South Dakota Snow Queen in January 1990, an honor that highlighted her involvement in community and school activities.

Noem began her higher education at Northern State University in 1990, where she pursued studies that would later inform her political career. However, she did not complete her degree at that institution. In March 1994, a tragic event occurred when her father died in a grain bin accident, prompting Noem to leave college to manage the family farm. Shortly after, she became a mother with the birth of her daughter, Kassidy, on April 21, 1994. In addition to managing the farm, Noem expanded the family business by adding a hunting lodge and restaurant, with the assistance of her siblings.

Despite her early departure from college, Noem continued her education by taking 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 eventually earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science from South Dakota State University in 2012, while serving as a U.S. representative. Her time in Congress was noted for her ability to balance her educational pursuits with her legislative responsibilities, leading to recognition for her achievements.

Legislative service

Noem's political career began in earnest when she successfully ran for a seat in the South Dakota House of Representatives in 2006, representing the 6th legislative district. This district includes parts of Beadle, Clark, Codington, Hamlin, and Kingsbury counties. In the 2006 election, she secured her position with approximately 39% of the vote and received direct campaign contributions totaling $6,330. She was reelected in 2008, garnering around 41% of the vote.

Her tenure in the South Dakota House lasted from 2007 to 2011, during which she served as an assistant majority leader in her second term. Throughout her legislative service, Noem was the prime sponsor of 11 bills that were enacted into law. These included several reforms related to property taxes and two significant pieces of legislation aimed at enhancing gun rights within the state. In 2009, she took on the role of vice chair of the Agriculture Land Assessment Advisory Task Force, which was chaired by Senator Larry Rhoden, who later served as her lieutenant governor. Additionally, Noem was a member of the Civil Air Patrol, contributing to her community and state in various capacities.

Policy focus and district

During her time in the South Dakota House of Representatives, Noem developed a policy focus that aligned with her Republican values. She became known for her conservative stance on several domestic issues, including gun rights, abortion, and energy policy. Her legislative efforts included co-sponsoring a bill that sought to federally ban abortion, as well as supporting measures that defined human life as beginning at fertilization. These positions reflected her commitment to conservative principles and garnered attention from constituents and political observers alike.

In terms of energy and environmental policy, Noem has expressed skepticism regarding the scientific consensus on climate change. She has articulated a belief that the science surrounding climate change is not definitive and has advocated for an "all-of-the-above energy approach." This approach includes the promotion of renewable energy sources like wind and ethanol, while also emphasizing the need for a balanced energy mix that reduces dependence on foreign oil. Notably, she has been a supporter of the Keystone XL Pipeline, which has been a contentious issue in energy policy discussions.

Noem's legislative career laid the groundwork for her subsequent political achievements, including her election to the U.S. House of Representatives in 2010, where she continued to advocate for her policy priorities on a national stage. Her time in the South Dakota House of Representatives was marked by a commitment to her constituents and a focus on issues that resonated with her district's values. As she transitioned to higher political office, the experiences and relationships she cultivated during her state legislative service would prove instrumental in her future endeavors.