Kristi Noem

Kristi Noem
Name	Kristi Noem
Birth date	1971-11-30
Birth place	Watertown, South Dakota
Party	Republican Party
Alma mater	South Dakota State University
Occupation	Politician, rancher
Office	33rd Governor of South Dakota
Term start	2019

Kristi Noem Kristi Noem is an American politician and rancher who serves as the 33rd Governor of South Dakota. A member of the Republican Party, she previously represented South Dakota's at-large congressional district in the United States House of Representatives from 2011 to 2019. Noem's career intersects with agricultural communities such as DeSmet, South Dakota, party organizations like the South Dakota Republican Party, and national debates involving figures including Donald Trump, Mitch McConnell, and Nancy Pelosi.

Early life and education

Noem was born in Watertown, South Dakota and raised in Hamlin County, South Dakota on a family farm and ranch near DeSmet, South Dakota. She attended De Smet High School and later studied at South Dakota State University, where she majored in political science and minored in mass communication. Her formative years involved participation in local institutions such as Future Farmers of America and interactions with regional leaders in Brookings County, South Dakota and Codington County, South Dakota. Influences during this period included agricultural stakeholders in the National Cattlemen's Beef Association and policy debates occurring in the South Dakota State Legislature.

Early political career

Noem began public service as a member of the South Dakota House of Representatives representing Hamlin County, South Dakota and surrounding districts. During her state legislative tenure she worked on committees that interfaced with agencies like the South Dakota Department of Agriculture and collaborated with fellow lawmakers from districts including Minnehaha County, South Dakota and Lincoln County, South Dakota. Her early alliances included state figures such as Bill Janklow alumni networks and party operatives within the National Republican Congressional Committee. She also engaged with advocacy groups including the National Rifle Association of America and local chapters of Americans for Prosperity.

U.S. House of Representatives

Elected to the United States House of Representatives in 2010, Noem served on committees such as the House Agriculture Committee and the House Budget Committee. In Congress she participated in caucuses including the House Freedom Caucus-aligned membership and met with national leaders including John Boehner and Paul Ryan on budget and agricultural policy. Her legislative priorities connected her to federal agencies like the United States Department of Agriculture and programs such as the Farm Bill. She voted on matters involving entities such as Centers for Disease Control and Prevention pandemic guidance, fiscal negotiations with United States Senate leaders, and oversight inquiries involving figures like Hillary Clinton and James Comey.

Governorship

Noem was elected Governor of South Dakota in 2018 and inaugurated in 2019, succeeding Dennis Daugaard. As governor she has overseen state responses to events including the COVID-19 pandemic, interacted with federal officials such as Donald Trump and Alex Azar, and coordinated with tribal governments like the Oglala Sioux Tribe and the Rosebud Sioux Tribe. Her administration has appointed leaders to state bodies connected with institutions such as South Dakota State University and the South Dakota Board of Regents. She has promoted state initiatives to attract businesses, connecting with corporate entities and trade groups such as the South Dakota Retailers Association and regional chambers of commerce.

Political positions and initiatives

Noem's positions align with conservative factions of the Republican Party and intersect with national policy debates involving lawmakers like Ted Cruz, Marjorie Taylor Greene, and Kevin McCarthy. She has emphasized deregulation efforts that engage with federal agencies including the Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of the Interior. On firearms she has advocated rights endorsed by the National Rifle Association of America; on immigration she has supported measures similar to proposals from Jeff Sessions and state-level enforcement aligned with trends in states such as Texas and Arizona. In agriculture and energy she has supported policies favorable to stakeholders like the American Petroleum Institute and the National Farmers Union. Her education stances involve state oversight resembling initiatives promoted by figures such as Betsy DeVos.

Controversies and legal issues

Noem's tenure has included controversies that drew scrutiny from media organizations such as The New York Times, The Washington Post, and Politico. Investigations and reporting have examined topics including expenditure on travel linked to events with entities like Black Hills State University and interactions with corporate sponsors such as those in the Model A Ford Club—matters that invoked oversight similar to inquiries pursued by state auditors in places like Iowa and Nebraska. Legal questions have involved interpretations of state law and executive authority comparable to disputes in states such as Florida and Texas; these disputes prompted commentary from legal scholars at institutions including University of South Dakota School of Law and drew legislative reactions from the South Dakota Legislature. Allegations and defenses referenced by partisans including Kristi Noem Political Action Committee allies and critics tied to groups such as MoveOn.org have shaped public debate about ethics and governance.

Category:Governors of South Dakota Category:Members of the United States House of Representatives from South Dakota