Kristi Noem: A Profile of South Dakota's Republican Governor

Early Life and Political Career

Kristi Lynn Noem (née Arnold) was born on November 30, 1971, in Watertown, South Dakota. She attended Northern State University, graduating with a degree in political science in 1994. While in college, she served as student body president and was active in the College Republicans.

Noem's political career began when she was elected to the South Dakota House of Representatives in 2006. She served three terms in the House, during which time she chaired the House Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee.

Governorship

In 2010, Noem was elected as the 33rd Governor of South Dakota, becoming the first woman to hold the office. She has since been reelected to two additional terms.

During her tenure as governor, Noem has passed a number of conservative policies, including tax cuts, restrictions on abortion, and support for gun rights. She has also been a vocal critic of federal overreach and has taken steps to limit federal involvement in South Dakota.

Controversies

Noem has been involved in a number of controversies during her time as governor. In 2018, she signed a bill that banned transgender people from using public restrooms that correspond with their gender identity. This bill was met with widespread criticism and was ultimately overturned by a federal court.

In 2020, Noem faced criticism for her handling of the COVID-19 pandemic. She was one of the few governors who resisted calls to implement a statewide mask mandate. She also allowed businesses to remain open with few restrictions, which some critics argued contributed to the spread of the virus in South Dakota.

Personal Life

Noem is married to Bryon Noem, a rancher. They have three children.

Conclusion

Kristi Noem is a Republican politician who has served as the Governor of South Dakota since 2011. She is a conservative who has passed a number of policies in line with the Republican platform. She has also been involved in a number of controversies, including her opposition to transgender rights and her handling of the COVID-19 pandemic.