Kristi Noem is a 53-years-old American politician, rancher, author, and businesswoman who has served as the 33rd governor of South Dakota since 2019.
Noem first gained national recognition as South Dakota’s at-large representative in the U.S. House of Representatives from 2011 to 2019 before becoming the state’s first female governor.
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Who is Kristi Noem?
Kristi Noem is an American politician and member of the Republican Party. She became the U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security in 2025. Before that, she was the governor of South Dakota from 2019 to 2025.
Noem was the first female governor of South Dakota. She won the election in 2018 with support from former President Donald Trump. She was re-elected in 2022. As governor, she focused on the economy, tax cuts, and personal freedom.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, she refused to issue lockdowns or mask mandates. She believed people should make their own health decisions. Some praised her leadership, while others criticized her approach.
In 2025, Noem became the U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security. She supports strict immigration policies and stronger border security. Her actions have sparked debate, especially in South Dakota, where businesses rely on immigrant workers.
Noem is also an author. She wrote two books about her life and values. One of her books caused controversy when she shared a story about putting down a family dog. Despite criticism, she remains a strong voice in American politics.
Kristi Noem Early Life & Family
Kristi Noem was born on November 30, 1971, in Watertown, South Dakota, United States. She is an American citizen by birth. She grew up in a rural farming community in Hamlin County, where she spent her childhood surrounded by agriculture and family values.
Noem is of Caucasian ethnicity and follows the Christian religion, which has played a significant role in shaping her personal and political beliefs. Her parents are Ron Arnold and Corinne Arnold. They were hardworking farmers who owned and operated a ranch in rural South Dakota.
Kristi grew up helping her family with farm work. Her father, Ron, was deeply dedicated to farming and ranching, which influenced Kristi’s strong connection to agriculture and rural life.
Her mother, Corinne, played a vital role in managing the household while supporting the family’s farming business. Kristi has not publicly shared detailed information about her siblings.
Noem has kept that part of her personal life private. However, she has spoken about growing up in a close-knit family where everyone contributed to the farm’s daily work. Her upbringing taught her resilience, independence, and the value of family support.
Tragedy struck her family in 1994 when her father, Ron Arnold, passed away in a farming accident. His death was a turning point in her life. At just 22 years old, Kristi had to step up and take responsibility for the family farm.
Noem managed the business while also caring for her mother and other family members. This experience shaped her leadership skills and later motivated her to enter politics to support farmers and small business owners.
Kristi Noem Education
Kristi Noem began her education at Hamlin High School in South Dakota. She was an active student and participated in various school activities. In 1990, she graduated from high school and was crowned South Dakota Snow Queen.
This achievement brought her recognition at an early age and helped shape her confidence in leadership roles. After completing high school, Noem enrolled at Northern State University in 1990 to pursue higher education.
However, her academic journey was interrupted in 1994 when her father tragically passed away in a farming accident. At just 22 years old, she made the difficult decision to leave college and take over her family farm.
She focused on running the farm and expanding the business by adding a hunting lodge and a restaurant. Despite her responsibilities as a business owner, Noem remained committed to education.
She took college courses at Mount Marty College in Watertown and later attended South Dakota State University to continue her studies. Additionally, she took online classes from the University of South Dakota and balances her education with her growing political and business career.
In 2012, while serving as a U.S. Representative, Noem achieved a significant milestone by earning her Bachelor of Arts degree in political science from South Dakota State University.
She completing her degree while working in Congress and demonstrated her dedication to education and personal growth. She has often spoken about the importance of lifelong learning and how her experiences in farming, business, and politics shaped her approach to leadership.
Kristi Noem Age
Kristin Noem is 53 years old as of 2024 because she came into the world on November 30, 1971, in Watertown, South Dakota, United States. According to her birthday, she falls under the Sagittarius.
Kristi Noem’s Professional and Political Career
Kristi Noem’s political career began in 2006 when she was elected to the South Dakota House of Representatives. She represented District 6 and quickly gained recognition for her conservative stance on fiscal policies, agriculture, and state regulations.
Noem served as Assistant Majority Leader during her time in the state legislature, where she played a key role in advancing Republican priorities. She focused on reducing taxes, limiting government spending, and advocating for policies that supported South Dakota’s agricultural economy.
U.S. House of Representatives (2011–2019)
In 2010, Noem successfully ran for South Dakota’s lone seat in the U.S. House of Representatives, defeating incumbent Democratic Congresswoman Stephanie Herseth Sandlin.
Her victory was part of the Republican wave that year, fueled by opposition to the Obama administration’s policies.
As a member of Congress, Noem aligned herself with the conservative wing of the Republican Party and served on influential committees, including the House Agriculture Committee, the Armed Services Committee, and the Ways and Means Committee.
During her tenure, Noem prioritized agricultural policy, rural economic development, tax reform, and the repeal of the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare).
She played a significant role in shaping the Farm Bill, ensuring that South Dakota’s farming and ranching communities received necessary support. She also supported major tax cuts and regulatory rollbacks aimed at stimulating economic growth.
In 2017, Noem worked on the passage of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, a major Republican legislative achievement under the Trump administration.
In 2018, Kristi Noem ran for governor of South Dakota and won and becomes the first woman to hold the office in the state’s history. She campaigned on a platform of conservative values, economic growth, and limited government intervention.
Governor Kristi Noem’s Response to the COVID-19 Crisis
As governor, Noem gained national attention for her handling of the COVID-19 pandemic. Unlike many other governors, she refused to impose statewide mask mandates, lockdowns, or business closures, arguing that personal responsibility and local decision-making were more effective than government mandates.
Her approach was praised by conservatives and business owners but criticized by public health officials and political opponents.
Under her leadership, South Dakota’s economy remained open during the pandemic. She positioned South Dakota as a model for economic freedom and personal liberties, which further increased her national profile.
Noem has also focused on issues such as tax cuts, Second Amendment rights, and limiting federal government influence in state affairs. She has signed legislation banning certain types of abortion, restricting transgender participation in sports, and promoting patriotic education in schools.
Throughout her tenure, Noem has been a vocal supporter of former President Donald Trump and has positioned herself as a strong advocate for conservative policies on both the state and national levels.
Her leadership style and policy decisions have made her a rising star within the Republican Party, frequently fueling speculation about a potential future presidential or vice-presidential run.
Kristi Noem Work with Donald Trump
Kristi Noem maintained a close political alliance with former President Donald Trump throughout his presidency and beyond.
As South Dakota’s lone representative in the U.S. House from 2011 to 2019, she was a strong supporter of Trump’s policies, particularly in areas such as tax reform, deregulation, and agriculture.
Noem played a key role in advancing the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, a major legislative achievement of Trump’s administration, which she argued would benefit South Dakota families and businesses.
She also supported Trump’s efforts to renegotiate trade agreements, including the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), which had significant implications for South Dakota’s agricultural sector.
After becoming governor of South Dakota in 2019, Noem continued to align herself with Trump, frequently praising his leadership and policy decisions. She was a vocal supporter of Trump’s stance on border security, law enforcement, and economic growth.
Noem was also a strong advocate of Trump’s approach to handling the COVID-19 pandemic, rejecting lockdowns and mask mandates in favor of personal responsibility and limited government intervention.
This approach gained national attention and positioned her as a conservative leader who embraced Trump’s America First agenda. In 2020, Noem appeared alongside Trump at several events, including a high-profile Fourth of July celebration at Mount Rushmore, where she delivered a speech praising his leadership.
She also supported Trump’s legal challenges following the 2020 presidential election, echoing concerns about election integrity. Her unwavering support for Trump helped elevate her national profile.
Noem has remained a staunch Trump ally, continuing to defend his policies and endorsing his bid for the presidency in 2024. Her strong association with Trump has solidified her position as a prominent figure in the conservative movement and a potential contender for higher office in the future.
Books
Some of Kristi Noem, the Governor of South Dakota, has authored books names are listed below:
- Not My First Rodeo: Lessons from the Heartland (2022)
- No Going Back: The Truth on What’s Wrong with Politics and How We Move America Forward (2024)
Kristi Noem Net Worth
Kristi Noem has an estimated net worth of $5 million as of 2025. She earns money primarily through her salary as the Governor of South Dakota, which is set by state law.
Additionally, she has financial interests in her family’s ranching and farming operations, as well as business ventures like a hunting lodge. She has also generated income from book deals. Furthermore, Noem benefits from speaking engagements and political fundraising, which contribute to her overall financial stability.
Kristi Noem Husband and Children
Kristi Noem has been married to her husband, Bryon Noem, since 1992. The couple tied the knot in Watertown, South Dakota, and have built a life centered around their family and shared values.
Bryon Noem has largely stayed out of the political spotlight compared to his wife, but he has been a strong supporter of her career. He runs an insurance business and has been involved in community and leadership initiatives in South Dakota.
Throughout Kristi’s rise in politics, from Congress to the governorship, Bryon has remained by her side, often shows their shared commitment to agriculture, small-town values, and conservative principles.
Together, Kristi and Bryon Noem have three children: Kassidy Noem, Booker Noem, and Kennedy Noem. Their children have grown up in a ranching and agricultural environment, which has played a significant role in shaping their upbringing.
Kassidy, the oldest, has been involved in her mother’s political journey and has pursued a career in business and agriculture. Kennedy, their second daughter, has also worked closely with her mother’s team and serving as a policy analyst in the governor’s office.
Their son, Booker, has maintained a more private life compared to his sisters but remains an important part of the close-knit Noem family. Now a grandmother, Kristi Noem has spoken openly about the joys of family life while balancing a demanding political career.
Kristi Noem Height and Weight
Kristi Noem stands at approximately 5 feet 7 inches which is equal to 170 centimeters or 1.70 meters tall, which is giving her a commanding presence both on and off the political stage.
She maintains a fit and active lifestyle, with an estimated weight of around 65 kilograms which is equal to 143 pounds. Her dedication to health and fitness is evident, as she has often spoken about her love for outdoor activities like horseback riding and hunting, which help her stay in great shape.
Social Media Appearance
Kristi Noem maintains an active presence on social media, using platforms like Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram to engage with supporters, share policy updates, and promote her political initiatives.
With a strong following, she expanded these platforms to communicate her conservative values, highlight her accomplishments as governor, and address national issues.
Her social media presence also serves as a tool for rallying support, countering criticism, and staying connected with both South Dakotans and a broader audience across the country.
Conclusion
In Conclusion, Kristi Noem’s journey from a small-town rancher to the governor of South Dakota is a witness to passion, determination, and strong leadership.
Her commitment to conservative values, economic growth, and individual freedoms has made her a prominent figure in American politics. As she continues her political career, Noem serves as an inspiration to those who aspire to lead with conviction.
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