Who Is Kristi Noem?
Kristi Lynn Noem is an American politician and former governor of South Dakota. She is a member of the Republican Party. Noem became South Dakota’s 33rd governor in January 2019 and served until January 2025. She later became U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security.
Before becoming governor, Noem represented South Dakota in the U.S. House of Representatives from 2011 to 2019. Her political work has focused on issues such as agriculture, taxes, business, rural communities, energy, and conservative policies.
Early Life and Background
Kristi Noem was born in 1971 in Watertown, South Dakota. She grew up in a farming and ranching family. Her early life in rural South Dakota became an important part of her public image and political career.
Her background also shaped her interest in farming, rural communities, land, and local economic issues.
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Education and Career
Noem studied at South Dakota State University and later earned a law degree from the University of South Dakota School of Law.
Her political career began in the South Dakota House of Representatives. She then moved to national politics after winning a seat in the U.S. House in 2010.
Noem served in Congress from 2011 to 2019. During that time, she worked on issues involving agriculture, government spending, energy, and rural America.
Governor of South Dakota
Noem became governor of South Dakota in January 2019. She was the state’s 33rd governor.
During her time as governor, she focused on economic growth, agriculture, rural development, energy, and conservative government policies.
Her response to the COVID-19 pandemic brought national attention. Noem placed strong emphasis on personal responsibility and keeping businesses and schools operating. Her approach received both support and criticism from different groups.
Noem also supported policies involving education, parental choice, gun rights, energy development, and state authority.
She left the governor’s office in January 2025 after the U.S. Senate confirmed her as Secretary of Homeland Security. Larry Rhoden then became the 34th governor of South Dakota.
U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security
In January 2025, President Donald Trump nominated Noem to lead the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. The Senate confirmed her, and she left the South Dakota governor’s office later that month.
As Homeland Security secretary, Noem became involved in national issues including immigration enforcement, border security, disaster response, and homeland security.
A 2025 DHS report identified Noem as Secretary of Homeland Security and described her work on human trafficking and immigration enforcement.
Political Views and Policy Focus
Noem has built her political career around conservative ideas. Her public positions have included support for limited government, lower regulatory burdens, agriculture, energy development, gun rights, and state authority.
As governor, she often spoke about South Dakota’s rural economy and the needs of farmers and ranchers.
Her political record has also included controversial issues. Supporters have praised her conservative approach, while critics have questioned some of her decisions, including her handling of the COVID-19 pandemic and some social policies.
Career Milestones
Noem’s career includes several major steps:
- She served in the South Dakota House of Representatives.
- She represented South Dakota in the U.S. House from 2011 to 2019.
- She became South Dakota’s governor in 2019.
- She served as governor until January 2025.
- She became U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security in 2025.
These roles gave her experience at the state and federal levels.
Personal Life and Public Image
Noem’s public image is closely linked to her South Dakota roots. Her farming and ranching background has been an important part of how she presents herself to voters and the public.
She has also remained a visible figure in national Republican politics. Her career has kept her involved in debates about rural America, economic policy, immigration, energy, and the role of government.
Kristi Noem’s Net Worth
There is no single reliable public figure that confirms Kristi Noem’s exact net worth. Public estimates can differ because they use different methods and information.
For that reason, any exact net worth number should be treated with caution. Official financial disclosures are a better source when precise information is needed.
What Is Kristi Noem Doing Now?
As of 2026, Noem is no longer the governor of South Dakota. She left that position in January 2025 and moved to the federal government after becoming Secretary of Homeland Security.
Her career has therefore moved from South Dakota state government to a major federal role.
Who is Kristi Noem?
Kristi Noem is an American Republican politician who served as the 33rd governor of South Dakota and later became U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security.
How old is Kristi Noem?
Noem was born in 1971, making her in her mid-50s in 2026.
When was Kristi Noem governor of South Dakota?
She served as governor from January 2019 until January 2025.
What is Kristi Noem known for?
She is known for her work in South Dakota politics, her conservative policy views, her time as governor, and her later role as Secretary of Homeland Security.
What is Kristi Noem’s net worth?
There is no single reliable public source that confirms an exact net worth figure. Public estimates vary and should be checked against official financial disclosures.
Sources
Kristi Noem
Former DHS Secretary Kristi Noem files for divorce
