Kristi Lynn Noem is an American politician serving as the 33rd governor of South Dakota since 2019. A Republican, she previously represented South Dakota's at-large congressional district in the U.S. House of Representatives from 2011 to 2019. Noem also served as a member of the South Dakota House of Representatives for the 6th district from 2007 to 2011.
1992: Kristi Noem Marries Bryon Noem
Kristi Noem married Bryon Noem in Watertown, South Dakota in 1992.
August 2010: Stance on Embryonic Stem-Cell Research
In August 2010, while running for Congress, Noem indicated she would vote to ban embryonic stem-cell research.
March 2011: Criticism of Obama's Approach to Libyan Intervention
In March 2011, Noem criticized President Barack Obama's approach to the NATO-led military intervention in the 2011 Libyan civil war, calling for more transparency about the US role and characterizing Obama's statements as vague.
2011: Position on Debt Ceiling and Budget Reforms
In 2011, Noem indicated she would vote to raise the federal debt ceiling if linked to budget reforms, ultimately voting for the Budget Control Act of 2011. She also expressed views on tax policies, aiming to reduce taxes and simplify the tax code.
2011: Noem Family Remains in South Dakota During Her Congressional Term
In 2011, when Kristi Noem moved to Washington to take her congressional office, her family continued to live on their ranch near Castlewood, South Dakota.
2013: Service on House Armed Services Committee
Noem served on the House Armed Services Committee from 2013 to 2015.
2014: Work on National Defense Authorization Act
In 2014, Noem worked on the National Defense Authorization Act as a member of the House Armed Services Committee.
2015: Noem Expresses Opposition to Same-Sex Marriage
In 2015, Governor Noem publicly stated her opposition to same-sex marriage, expressing disagreement with the Supreme Court's ruling in Obergefell v. Hodges, which legalized same-sex marriage nationwide.
2015: Co-Sponsorship of 14th Amendment Amendment
In 2015, Noem co-sponsored legislation to amend the 14th Amendment to define human life and personhood as beginning at fertilization, impacting in-vitro fertilization and embryonic stem-cell research.
2015: End of Term on House Armed Services Committee
Noem's term on the House Armed Services Committee ended in 2015.
November 14, 2016: Announcement of Gubernatorial Candidacy
On November 14, 2016, Noem announced her candidacy for Governor of South Dakota in the 2018 election.
2017: Support for Trump's Executive Order 13769
In 2017, Noem expressed support for President Donald Trump's Executive Order 13769, which placed temporary bans on the US refugee program and travel from several Muslim-majority countries.
2017: Involvement in Tax Cuts and Jobs Act
In 2017, Noem served on the conference committee for the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, highlighting its potential benefits for South Dakota families.
2018: Kristi Noem's Religious Affiliation
As of 2018, Kristi Noem and her family attended a Foursquare Church in Watertown, South Dakota.
2018: Focus on Government Transparency
During her 2018 gubernatorial campaign and her first State of the State address, Noem emphasized government transparency as a key priority.
2018: Online Sales Tax Bill Advocacy
In 2018, Noem advocated for her online sales tax bill, aiming to address challenges faced by businesses due to varying state tax structures.
2018: Gubernatorial Election Victory
In 2018, Noem won the South Dakota gubernatorial election, defeating both Republican primary challenger Marty Jackley and Democratic nominee Billie Sutton.
January 5, 2019: Inauguration as Governor of South Dakota
On January 5, 2019, Noem was sworn in as Governor of South Dakota, making her the first woman to hold the position in the state's history.
February 2019: Criticism of Trump Administration Trade Wars
In February 2019, Noem criticized the Trump administration's trade wars with China and the European Union for negatively impacting South Dakota's economy, especially the agricultural sector.
May 2019: Noem Proposes Fence Around Governor's Mansion
In May 2019, Governor Noem put forward a proposal to construct a fence around the governor's mansion at an estimated cost of $400,000. However, she later retracted the proposal.
October 1, 2019: Josh Shields Becomes Chief of Staff
Josh Shields assumed the role of Noem's chief of staff on October 1, 2019.
November 18, 2019: Meth Awareness Campaign Launch
On November 18, 2019, Noem launched a meth awareness campaign called "Meth. We're On It." The campaign, which cost $449,000, was widely mocked and criticized for hiring an out-of-state advertising agency.
2019: Signing of Abortion Restriction Bills
In 2019, Noem signed multiple bills restricting abortion access in South Dakota, emphasizing her belief in the personhood of unborn babies.
2019: Veto of Hemp Cultivation Bill
In 2019, Noem vetoed a bill that would have legalized industrial hemp cultivation in South Dakota, citing concerns about drug law enforcement and the legalization of marijuana.
2019: Noem Signs Bill Eliminating Concealed Handgun Permit Requirement
In 2019, Governor Noem signed a bill into law that eliminated the need for a permit to carry a concealed handgun in South Dakota.
January 1, 2020: Josh Shields Leaves as Chief of Staff
On January 1, 2020, Josh Shields's time as Noem's chief of staff ended.
March 2, 2020: Tony Venhuizen Appointed as Chief of Staff
On March 2, 2020, Tony Venhuizen became Noem's chief of staff.
March 13, 2020: School Closures in South Dakota
On March 13, 2020, Governor Noem mandated the closure of K-12 schools in response to the unfolding COVID-19 pandemic.
April 6, 2020: Executive Order on CDC Guidance and Stay-at-Home Order for Seniors
On April 6, 2020, Governor Noem issued an executive order instructing residents to adhere to guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The order also mandated a three-week stay-at-home period for individuals over the age of 65 in Minnehaha and Lincoln counties.
April 9, 2020: USDA Mask Policy for Meatpacking Inspectors
On April 9, 2020, the Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced that its inspectors would be allowed to wear masks in meatpacking plants, but only with the permission of the plant owners. Inspectors were expected to provide their own masks. This decision came after concerns about the risk of virus transmission in these facilities.
April 13, 2020: Noem Downplays Smithfield Outbreak
On April 13, 2020, amid a COVID-19 outbreak at a Smithfield pork plant where hundreds of workers tested positive, Noem publicly stated on Fox News that "We believe that 99 percent of what's going on today wasn't happening inside the facility." This statement downplayed the role of workplace conditions in the outbreak's severity.
July 3, 2020: Mount Rushmore Event Without Mask Mandate
On July 3, 2020, an event featuring then-President Trump took place at Mount Rushmore. Governor Noem did not implement a mask mandate or social distancing measures for the event, despite warnings from health experts about the potential for COVID-19 spread.
August 2020: Sturgis Motorcycle Rally Amid COVID-19 Concerns
In August 2020, Governor Noem supported the annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally despite warnings from experts about the potential for it to become a COVID-19 superspreader event. Almost 500,000 bikers attended the rally.
August 2020: Republican National Convention Speech
In August 2020, Noem delivered a speech at the Republican National Convention, which raised her national profile. This opportunity was seen as a reward for her handling of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Argus Leader described this speech as a pivotal moment in her political journey.
September 2020: Tourism Campaign Funding Amid Rising Cases
In September 2020, as South Dakota grappled with a surge in COVID-19 cases, Governor Noem allocated $5 million of relief funds towards a state tourism campaign. A portion of this funding ($819,000) was used to air a 30-second Fox News commercial narrated by Noem during the 2020 Republican National Convention.
October 2020: South Dakota's COVID-19 Cases Surge
In October 2020, South Dakota experienced the country's second-highest number of new COVID-19 cases per capita. As hospitals began to prioritize severe COVID-19 cases, Governor Noem attributed the surge to increased testing, despite rising positive test and hospitalization rates.
October 22, 2020: Record High COVID-19 Hospitalizations in South Dakota
On October 22, 2020, South Dakota experienced a record high number of COVID-19 hospitalizations, reaching 355 patients, including 75 in intensive care units (ICUs). This surge prompted the state's two largest hospital systems to reschedule elective procedures to free up resources for COVID-19 patients.
December 8, 2020: Noem Acknowledges "Biden Administration" but Questions Election Integrity
On December 8, 2020, Noem acknowledged the "Biden administration" during a budget address, tacitly recognizing the election outcome. However, she continued to express doubts about the election's fairness.
December 2020: Noem's COVID-19 Response
As of December 2020, Governor Noem was one of few governors who had not implemented statewide stay-at-home orders or face-mask mandates. Her approach to COVID-19 aligned with the rhetoric and actions of then-President Trump.
2020: Trump-Pence Ticket Wins South Dakota; Noem Withdraws as Elector
In the 2020 election, the Trump-Pence ticket won South Dakota. Noem, initially designated as a presidential elector for Trump, later withdrew.
2020: Noem Revives Governor's Mansion Fence Project
In 2020, Governor Noem revived the 2019 project to build a fence around the governor's mansion. A senior advisor explained that the decision was based on recommendations from Governor Noem's security team.
2020: Opposition to Cannabis Legalization
In 2020, Noem opposed ballot measures to legalize medical and recreational cannabis in South Dakota. Despite both measures passing, she filed a lawsuit seeking a court decision against the recreational use measure.
January 6, 2021: Noem Condemns Violence at U.S. Capitol but Criticizes Democratic Senators
Following the January 6, 2021 attack on the U.S. Capitol, Noem condemned the violence but later referred to newly elected Democratic senators from Georgia as "communists," sparking criticism.
February 8, 2021: Court Strikes Down Recreational Cannabis Amendment
On February 8, 2021, a circuit court judge struck down the amendment legalizing recreational cannabis in South Dakota. Noem also sought to delay medical marijuana implementation.
February 2021: Noem Signs COVID-19 Liability Limitation Bill
In February 2021, Governor Noem signed a bill that limited civil liability for certain exposures to COVID-19. The bill exempted healthcare providers and businesses, including those selling personal protective equipment, from lawsuits unless gross negligence, recklessness, or willful misconduct caused the COVID-19 exposure.
March 8, 2021: Noem Announces Support for Transgender Athlete Ban
On March 8, 2021, Governor Noem announced on Twitter her intention to sign H.B. 1217, known as the Women's Fairness in Sports Bill. This bill aimed to prohibit transgender athletes from participating in women's school and college sports teams. Critics of the bill voiced concerns that it could negatively impact businesses and result in financial losses for the state.
April 23, 2021: Tony Venhuizen Exits as Chief of Staff
On April 23, 2021, Tony Venhuizen's tenure as Noem's chief of staff concluded.
July 1, 2021: Medical Marijuana Becomes Legal in South Dakota
On July 1, 2021, medical marijuana became legal in South Dakota despite Noem's opposition and attempts to delay its implementation.
July 2021: Noem Criticizes Republican Governors over COVID-19 Measures
In July 2021, Governor Noem publicly criticized fellow Republican governors for implementing mandatory measures to combat COVID-19. She accused them of attempting to "rewrite history" and asserted that South Dakota had effectively addressed the pandemic through testing and isolation, despite having the 10th-highest death rate and third-highest case rate in the country at that time.
July 2021: Noem Takes Action in Response to South Dakota Prison Concerns
In July 2021, Governor Noem addressed issues within the South Dakota Department of Corrections. She placed Secretary Mike Liedholt on administrative leave, and dismissed Warden Darin Young and Deputy Warden Jennifer Dreiske after receiving an anonymous complaint regarding pay, medical coverage, and sexual harassment allegations. Liedholt later announced his retirement. Following meetings with prison staff, Governor Noem lifted the prison's mask mandate despite ongoing COVID-19 cases.
August 2021: Noem Commissions Review of South Dakota Department of Corrections
In August 2021, Governor Noem announced the hiring of the CGL Group, a California-based company, to conduct a comprehensive review of the South Dakota Department of Corrections operations. The contract amounted to $166,410. Additionally, the prison work program director was terminated, and two other DOC employees were relieved of their duties.
September 2021: Allegations of an Affair with Corey Lewandowski Surface
In September 2021, American Greatness, a conservative media outlet, published a report alleging that Kristi Noem was having an extramarital affair with political operative Corey Lewandowski. Noem vehemently denied the allegations, labeling them as a 'disgusting lie', and suggested they were part of a pattern of attacks against conservative women.
September 22, 2021: Lawsuit Filed over South Dakota National Guard Deployment to Texas Border
On September 22, 2021, the Center for Public Integrity filed a lawsuit against the South Dakota National Guard and the U.S. Department of Defense in a federal district court in Washington, D.C. The lawsuit aimed to obtain documents related to the deployment of South Dakota National Guard members to the Texas-Mexico border in June 2021 and the funding provided by Tennessee billionaire Willis Johnson and his wife Reba for the deployment.
November 12, 2021: Announcement of Re-election Bid
On November 12, 2021, Noem announced her intention to seek re-election as Governor of South Dakota.
November 2021: Noem's Spending on Governor's Mansion Scrutinized
In late November 2021, reports surfaced that Governor Noem had used $68,000 of taxpayer money to purchase imported rugs from India, chandeliers, and a sauna for the governor's mansion. These expenditures drew criticism and scrutiny.
November 19, 2021: Mark Miller Appointed as Chief of Staff
On November 19, 2021, Mark Miller was appointed as Noem's fifth chief of staff, replacing Aaron Scheibe.
December 2021: Noem Signals Support for Bill Restricting Transgender Athletes
In December 2021, Governor Noem and her office expressed support for a bill titled "An Act to Protect Fairness in women's sports." This bill sought to mandate that young athletes participate in sports teams that align with their biological sex at birth, furthering restrictions on transgender athletes' participation in sports.
2021: Religious Refusal Bill
In 2021, Noem signed a religious refusal bill into law, amending the state RFRA to allow business owners to refuse service based on religious beliefs, including sexual orientation or gender identity.
2021: Noem Sues over Mount Rushmore Fireworks Ban
In 2021, Governor Noem initiated a lawsuit against U.S. Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland, challenging the ban on fireworks displays at Mount Rushmore for Independence Day. The National Park Service had implemented the ban in 2009 due to fire risks and other concerns. Governor Noem hired the private law firm Consovoy McCarthy, using South Dakota taxpayer funds, to pursue the case. The U.S. District Court dismissed the lawsuit, with Judge Roberto Lange upholding four of the five reasons provided by the NPS and Secretary Haaland for the ban.
January 21, 2022: Prayer in School Bill Defeated
On January 21, 2022, Noem's "prayer bill," aimed at reintroducing prayer in schools, was defeated in the House Education Committee. The proposal was criticized for lack of consultation with schools.
February 1, 2022: Democratic Challenger Emerges
On February 1, 2022, House Democratic Minority Leader Jamie Smith announced his candidacy for the Democratic nomination for Governor of South Dakota, challenging Noem's re-election bid.
March 14, 2022: Former Prison Work Program Director Files Lawsuit
On March 14, 2022, Stephany Bawek, the former director of the South Dakota prison work program, filed a lawsuit in federal district court. Bawek alleged that she was terminated in retaliation for reporting sexual harassment by Warden Darin Young. This lawsuit followed her earlier complaint filed with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) in August 2021, making similar allegations.
June 2022: Kristi Noem Publishes Her Autobiography, 'Not My First Rodeo'
In June 2022, Kristi Noem released her autobiography titled "Not My First Rodeo: Lessons from the Heartland." The book shared stories from her upbringing on a ranch in rural South Dakota.
2022: Noem's Gun Range Proposal Rejected
In 2022, Governor Noem proposed the construction of a gun range in Meade County using government funds. However, the legislature rejected the proposal.
2022: National Defense Authorization Act Restricts Privately Funded National Guard Deployments
In 2022, the National Defense Authorization Act was passed, including a provision that prohibited the use of private funds to pay for National Guard deployments across state borders. This action directly addressed the controversy surrounding Governor Noem's deployment of the South Dakota National Guard to the Texas-Mexico border, which had been funded by a private donation.
2022: Proposed RV Park in Custer State Park
In 2022, Noem proposed a government-funded RV park in Custer State Park. The proposal faced significant opposition for competing with private businesses and disturbing the park's environment, ultimately leading to its rejection.
September 2023: Noem Endorses Trump in 2024 Republican Primaries
In September 2023, Noem endorsed Donald Trump for the 2024 Republican presidential primaries during a rally in Rapid City, South Dakota.
September 2023: Noem Expresses Willingness to be Trump's Running Mate
In September 2023, Noem stated she would be Trump's running mate "in a heartbeat" when asked about the possibility.
September 2023: Further Reports About Alleged Affair Emerge
In September 2023, both the New York Post and the Daily Mail published reports alleging an affair between Kristi Noem and Corey Lewandowski, claims that were denied by Noem's spokesperson.
2023: Noem Highlights Granddaughter's Gun Ownership at NRA Forum
During a 2023 NRA forum held in Indiana, Governor Noem made a statement about her two-year-old granddaughter, mentioning that the child owned a shotgun, a rifle, and a "little pony named Sparkles."
2023: Advocacy for Pro-Life Policies
In 2023, Noem encouraged other governors to support pro-life policies, emphasizing the importance of taking action to save lives.
January 2024: Proclamation of "Freedom for Life Year"
In January 2024, Governor Noem proclaimed 2024 as the "Freedom for Life Year", promoting anti-abortion laws and highlighting her stance on the issue.
February 2024: Noem Emerges as Top Choice for Trump's Running Mate in CPAC Straw Poll
At the February 2024 CPAC conference, Noem tied with Vivek Ramaswamy as the preferred choice for Trump's running mate in a straw poll. Trump also acknowledged Noem as a potential running mate.
March 2024: CNN Reports Noem on Trump's Shortlist for Running Mate
In March 2024, CNN reported that Noem was among a small group of individuals Trump was seriously considering as his running mate.
March 2024: Kristi Noem Promotes a Cosmetic Dentist Business
In March 2024, Kristi Noem shared a video in which she, identifying herself as the South Dakota governor, personally endorsed a cosmetic dentist business called Smile Texas. She shared her positive experience with the business, mentioning that they helped her after losing her front teeth in a biking accident years prior.
March 2024: Noem Invited to Trump Rally in Ohio
Trump invited Noem to join him at a rally in Vandalia, Ohio, in March 2024.
April 2024: Kristi Noem's Vice Presidential Odds Dwindle
In April 2024, insiders reported that Kristi Noem's chances of being selected as Donald Trump's running mate had decreased due to her stance on abortion and controversial revelations from her book, including an account of her shooting and killing her pet dog and a goat.
April 2024: Excerpts from Noem's Second Autobiography Draw Criticism
In April 2024, pre-release excerpts from Noem's second autobiography, titled "No Going Back: The Truth on What’s Wrong with Politics and How We Move America Forward", were met with widespread criticism and condemnation.
April 21, 2024: Shift in Stance on Federal Abortion Ban
On April 21, 2024, Noem announced a shift in her position on a federal abortion ban, stating her belief that abortion laws should be determined at the state level. She maintained her support for South Dakota's abortion ban, which only allows exceptions to save the life of the pregnant patient.
2024: Reiteration of Pro-Life Stance
In 2024, Noem reiterated her pro-life stance, highlighting its significance in South Dakota.
2025: Noem's Controversial Remarks About President Biden's Dog
In her memoir, Kristi Noem wrote about her vision of becoming president in 2025, succeeding Joe Biden. She made a controversial statement suggesting that the first thing she would do is ensure Biden's dog, Commander, is removed from the White House grounds. Her words implied a threat towards the dog, stating, "Commander, say hello to Cricket for me." Notably, Commander had been relocated away from the White House due to biting incidents involving Secret Service agents. In an interview, Noem stated that Biden was "accountable" for the dog's behavior and urged him to "make a decision" about "what to do" with Commander.