Kristi Lynn Noem born November 30, 1971 is an American politician who has served as the 33rd governor of South Dakota since 2019. A member of the Republican Party, she represented South Dakota’s at-large congressional district in the U.S. House of Representatives from 2011 to 2019, and served in the South Dakota House of Representatives from 2007 to 2011. Noem made history in 2018 by becoming the first female governor of South Dakota.
Kristi Noem Biography 2025
She gained national attention during the COVID-19 pandemic for her decision not to implement a statewide mask mandate. Raised on a ranch and farm in rural South Dakota, Noem is both a farmer and a rancher. In 2022, she published her first autobiography, Not My First Rodeo: Lessons from the Heartland, followed by a second book, No Going Back (2025), which sparked controversy due to a passage involving the killing of a family dog.
WhatsApp Channel Join Button
Kristi Noem Biography Details
Born
Kristi Lynn Arnold
November 30, 1971 (age 52)
Watertown, South Dakota, U.S.
Political party
Republican
Spouse
Bryon Noem
(m. 1992)
Children
3
Residence
Governor’s Residence
Alma mater
South Dakota State University (BA)
Kristi Noem Early Life
Kristi Noem was born to Ron and Corinne Arnold in Watertown, South Dakota. She grew up on the family farm and ranch in rural Hamlin County, where she worked alongside her siblings. Noem has Norwegian heritage, and her upbringing in rural South Dakota shaped her political views. She graduated from Hamlin High School in 1990 and was crowned South Dakota Snow Queen that same year. Tragically, her father passed away in a farm machinery accident in 1994, an event that had a profound impact on her life.
Noem attended Northern State University from 1990 to 1994 but left before completing her degree to help run the family farm. During this time, she expanded the family business by adding a hunting lodge and restaurant, with her siblings also returning to contribute. Noem later took classes at Mount Marty College in Watertown and South Dakota State University (SDSU), as well as online courses from the University of South Dakota. She eventually earned a Bachelor of Arts in political science from SDSU in 2012, while serving in Congress. Her unique path to a college degree, which included receiving intern credits from her congressional role, led The Washington Post to dub her Capitol Hill’s “most powerful intern.”
Kristi Noem Bio
Kristi Noem
Overview
Political Role
33rd Governor of South Dakota (Incumbent)
Party
Republican
Born
November 30, 1971
Residence
Governor’s Residence, South Dakota
Spouse
Bryon Noem (married in 1992)
Children
3
Education
BA in Political Science, South Dakota State University
Notable Achievement
First female Governor of South Dakota
Governor of South Dakota
Governor Noem’s Tenure
Details
Took Office
January 5, 2019
Lieutenant Governor
Larry Rhoden
Predecessor
Dennis Daugaard
Endorsements
Endorsed by President Donald Trump during the 2018 election
Co-sponsored federal abortion ban bills, pushed for fiscal responsibility
PAC Fundraising
Raised significant funds through KRISTI PAC for 2012 campaigns
Legislative Accomplishments in South Dakota House
South Dakota Legislative Actions
Details
Property Tax Reforms
Sponsored several property tax bills that became law
Gun Rights
Advocated for expanded gun rights in South Dakota
Agriculture
Served as vice chair of the Agriculture Land Assessment Advisory Task Force
Abortion and LGBTQ Rights
Social Policy Stance
Details
Abortion
Co-sponsored federal bills to ban abortion, supports 14th Amendment definition of personhood
Same-Sex Marriage
Opposed Obergefell v. Hodges ruling legalizing same-sex marriage
Transgender Rights
Banned transgender athletes from women’s sports in South Dakota
COVID-19 Response
COVID-19 Management
Details
Mask Mandate
Refused to issue a statewide mask mandate
Lockdown Measures
Opposed lockdowns, prioritized keeping businesses open
Public Reaction
Received both praise and criticism for her handling of the pandemic
Meth Awareness Campaign
Campaigns and Initiatives
Details
Meth. We’re on It
Aimed to raise awareness about meth use, received criticism for its messaging
Funding
$449,000 of public funds spent on the campaign
Criticism
Widely mocked, with calls for better messaging
Opposition to Cannabis Legalization
Cannabis Stance
Details
Opposition
Strongly opposed both medical and recreational cannabis legalization
Lawsuit
Filed against the recreational cannabis measure after its approval
Medical Marijuana
Legalized in 2021 despite initial opposition
Religious Freedom Laws
Religious Freedom Legislation
Details
S.B. 124
Allows businesses to refuse services based on religious beliefs
Criticism
Civil rights groups argued it could lead to discrimination
Presidential Election and Vice Presidential Speculation
Presidential Election
Details
Trump Endorsement
Endorsed Donald Trump for the 2025 election
Vice President Speculation
Often mentioned as a potential running mate for Trump
Public Image
Her image was somewhat affected by recent controversies, including her book
Kristi Noem Personal Life
Personal Details
Details
Spouse
Bryon Noem (married in 1992)
Children
3
Religious Affiliation
Protestant
Family Residence
Ranch near Castlewood, South Dakota
Kristi Noem Net Worth
Kristi Noem has a net worth of $19 million.
Kristi Noem Summary
Kristi Noem born in 1971 in South Dakota, is the current Governor of South Dakota, serving since 2019. A member of the Republican Party, she previously represented South Dakota’s at-large congressional district from 2011 to 2019. Noem gained national attention for her controversial handling of the COVID-19 pandemic and her stance on various conservative issues, including abortion and LGBTQ+ rights. As a politician, she has been involved in several high-profile campaigns, including opposing cannabis legalization and advocating for restrictions on transgender participation in sports. Noem’s political career has also been marked by her advocacy for agricultural interests and her rural background as a farmer and rancher.
