Kristi Noem

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<p><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kristi_Noem">Kristi Lynn Noem</a> is an American <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kristi_Noem">politician</a> currently serving as the 33rd Governor of South Dakota, a role she assumed on January 5, 2019. A member of the Republican Party, she previously served in the South Dakota House of Representatives for the 6th District from 2007 to 2011. From 2011 to 2019, she was South Dakota’s sole <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kristi_Noem">representative</a> in the U.S. House of Representatives. Elected in 2018, Noem became the first woman to hold the office of Governor in South Dakota history.</p>

<h2>Political Alignment and Policy Approach</h2>

<p>Noem is widely recognized for her alignment with former <a href="/biography/donald-trump">President</a> <a href="/biography/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a> and her support of his political agenda. Her governance style reflects a commitment to limited government and individual liberties. This was especially evident during the COVID-19 pandemic, when she declined to implement statewide mandates such as mask requirements or business closures. Her approach earned both national attention and criticism, particularly regarding the spread of COVID-19 in South Dakota during key periods of the pandemic. While she encouraged public gatherings and questioned mask efficacy, she argued that her policies prioritized personal responsibility and economic continuity.</p>

<h2>Early Childhood and Education</h2>

<p>Kristi Noem was born on November 30, 1971, in Watertown, South Dakota, to Ron and Corinne Arnold. She was raised with her siblings on the family’s ranch and farm in rural Hamlin County. Of Norwegian descent, she cites her agricultural upbringing as influential in shaping her values and work ethic.</p>

<p>In 1990, Noem graduated from Hamlin High School, where she was crowned South Dakota Snow Queen—a title she credits with enhancing her public speaking and communication skills. She enrolled at Northern State University from 1990 to 1994. At age 20, she married Bryon Noem in Watertown.</p>

<p>Following the tragic death of her father in a farm machinery accident, Noem assumed management of the family business and led its expansion, including the addition of a hunting lodge and café. She continued her education through classes at Mount Marty College in Watertown, South Dakota State University, and online coursework from the University of South Dakota.</p>

<h2>Service in the South Dakota House of Representatives</h2>

<p>Noem was first elected to the South Dakota House of Representatives in 2006, representing the 6th District. She secured 39% of the vote that year and was re-elected in 2008 with 41%. Her tenure lasted until 2010, including one year as Assistant Majority Leader.</p>

<p>During her legislative service, Noem was a <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kristi_Noem">member</a> of the State Affairs and Taxation Committees. Notably, she introduced legislation in both 2009 and 2010 to lower the state’s compulsory school attendance age from 18 to 16. She argued that extending the school age had not demonstrably improved graduation rates.</p>

<h2>COVID-19 Policy in South Dakota</h2>

<p>Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, Noem adopted a policy framework based on minimal government intervention. As of late 2020, she did not issue any statewide mask mandates or stay-at-home orders, positioning herself as a staunch advocate of personal freedom and responsibility. In November 2020, she allocated federal pandemic relief funds to promote tourism despite a significant surge in COVID-19 cases within the state.</p>

<p>Noem’s handling of the pandemic mirrored the positions of President <a href="/biography/donald-trump">Trump</a> at the time, particularly in her resistance to federal public health guidelines and skepticism about mask effectiveness. South Dakota experienced one of the country’s highest per-capita rates of COVID-19 cases during peak periods.</p>

<h2>Personal Life and Faith</h2>

<p>Kristi Noem is married to Bryon Noem, and the couple has three children. While she served in the U.S. Congress, her family remained on their ranch near Castlewood, South Dakota. A practicing Christian, Noem and her family were members of a Foursquare Church in Watertown as of 2018. Her faith continues to inform her personal and political life.</p>

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