Politics & World • US Politics

Kristi Noem

Kristi Noem is an American Republican politician from South Dakota who has served as governor, U.S.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Kristi Noem is an American Republican politician from South Dakota who has served as governor, U.S. representative, and U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security. She was the first female governor of South Dakota and later became the 8th Secretary of Homeland Security in the Trump administration.

Early life and education

Kristi Noem was born in Watertown, South Dakota, and was raised on her family’s farm and ranch in rural Hamlin County. Sources describe her as a South Dakota native with ties to ranching and farming.

Political career

Noem served in the South Dakota legislature, then in the U.S. House of Representatives from 2011 to 2019. She was elected governor of South Dakota in 2018 and became the state’s first female governor.

Federal cabinet service

Noem served as Secretary of Homeland Security beginning in January 2025. Britannica reports that she left the post in March 2026 after being the first cabinet member dismissed in Trump’s second term.

Books and public profile

Noem has published memoir-style books, including 'Not My First Rodeo' and 'No Going Back.' Her 2024 book drew controversy for describing the killing of her dog and for other claims later reported as inaccurate.

Key facts

Noem began her elected political career in the South Dakota House of Representatives and later served in the U.S. House of Representatives.
She was elected South Dakota’s first female governor in 2018 and served from 2019 to 2025.
She served as Secretary of Homeland Security from January 2025 to March 2026.
In March 2026, she was appointed U.S. Special Envoy for the Shield of the Americas.
Noem is also identified as a rancher, farmer, small business owner, mother, and grandmother.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Kristi Noem?

Kristi Noem is an American Republican politician from South Dakota who has served as governor, a U.S. representative, and U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security.

How old is Kristi Noem?

She was born on November 30, 1971, which makes her 54 years old as of July 23, 2026.

What happened to Kristi Noem's dog?

Noem wrote that she killed her dog, Cricket, after describing it as aggressive and untrainable; the account became widely controversial after publication of her 2024 book.

Is Kristi Noem running for president?

The available sources do not show that she is running for president. Britannica says she opted not to enter the 2024 presidential contest despite speculation.

What is Kristi Noem's book about?

Her 2024 book, 'No Going Back,' is a memoir-style account of her life and career, including personal and political stories; it also includes controversial passages about her dog and a claim about meeting Kim Jong Un that was later reported as inaccurate.

References

Archives of Women's Political Communication — https://awpc.cattcenter.iastate.edu/directory/kristi-noem
Supports: Birth date; career timeline; current role as Special Envoy in 2026.
U.S. Department of Homeland Security — https://www.dhs.gov/person/kristi-noem
Supports: Secretary of Homeland Security role; prior governorship; rancher/farmer background.
Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/biography/Kristi-Noem
Supports: Birth date; office history; note that she did not run in the 2024 presidential contest; departure from DHS in 2026.
Western Governors' Association — https://www.westgov.org/about/our-governors-bio/kristi-noem
Supports: Election as South Dakota's 33rd governor and first female governor.
Office of the Historian, U.S. House of Representatives — https://history.house.gov/People/Detail/19064
Supports: U.S. House service and book title 'Not My First Rodeo'.
USA Today — https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2025/01/25/who-is-kristi-noem-confirmation-vote-homeland-security/77948176007/
Supports: Dog controversy and summary of book 'No Going Back'.