When was Kristi Noem born and where did she grow up?
Kristi Lynn Arnold Noem was born on the 30th of November 1971 in Watertown, South Dakota. She grew up with her siblings on a family ranch and farm near the town of Hazel.
Questions about Kristi Noem
Short answers, pulled from the story.
What political offices has Kristi Noem held throughout her career?
Noem served as a member of the South Dakota House of Representatives from 2007 to 2010 before becoming the U.S. representative for South Dakota's at-large congressional district starting in 2011. She later took office as governor of South Dakota on the 5th of January 2019 and became Secretary of Homeland Security on the 28th of January 2025.
How did Kristi Noem handle the COVID-19 pandemic during her time as governor?
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Noem implemented a hands-off approach that included no statewide stay-at-home orders or face mask mandates. The state experienced record hospitalizations by the 22nd of October 2020 and ended up with the tenth-highest death rate nationally after hosting the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally in August 2020.
Why was Sherry Bren fired from her position under Kristi Noem?
State Senate investigations revealed that Noem summoned Sherry Bren to her office after Bren denied an appraiser license to Noem's daughter Kassidy Peters. Following pressure from the governor's family, Labor Secretary Marcia Hultman demanded Bren's resignation, leading to a $200,000 settlement for age discrimination.
What controversies surrounded Kristi Noem's second autobiography released in April 2024?
Her book No Going Back sparked widespread criticism over passages describing the killing of a goat named Cricket and another male goat she called disgusting. The story generated bipartisan condemnation and led to the cancellation of a fundraising dinner on May 4 following death threats received by organizers.