Kristi Noem

Kristi Noem is an American politician who served as the Governor of South Dakota and later became the United States Secretary of Homeland Security. A member of the Republican Party, she has held office at both the state and federal levels and has been a prominent figure in national conservative politics.

Early life

Kristi Lynn Noem was born on November 30, 1971, in Watertown, South Dakota, and grew up on her family's farm and ranch near Hazel. She was active in agriculture from a young age and worked on the family operation. Following the death of her father in a farming accident, she took on greater responsibility for the family business. She later completed a bachelor's degree in political science from South Dakota State University, finishing her studies years after first leaving college.

Career

Noem entered electoral politics by winning a seat in the South Dakota House of Representatives in 2006, where she served and rose to a leadership position. In 2010 she was elected to the United States House of Representatives, representing South Dakota's at-large congressional district. She was re-elected several times and served on committees including the House Ways and Means Committee, focusing on issues such as agriculture, taxation, and rural affairs.

In 2018 Noem was elected Governor of South Dakota, becoming the first woman to hold that office. She took office in January 2019 and was re-elected in 2022. As governor she became known nationally for her approach to the COVID-19 pandemic, during which she declined to impose statewide lockdown measures, as well as for her positions on taxation, regulation, and cultural issues. She was frequently mentioned as a potential national candidate.

Recent work

Noem was a prominent supporter of Donald Trump and was discussed as a possible running mate ahead of the 2024 presidential election. After Trump's election victory, she was nominated to serve as United States Secretary of Homeland Security. She was confirmed by the Senate and took office in 2025, overseeing a large federal department responsible for immigration enforcement, border security, disaster response, and related functions.

Throughout her career, Noem has emphasized her rural and agricultural background and has been a visible national spokesperson for Republican policy positions. She has authored books reflecting on her life and political views, and she has been a frequent presence in national media and at party events. As a state and then federal official, she built a profile centered on conservative economic and cultural priorities. Her tenure in federal office has placed her at the center of national debates over immigration and homeland security policy.