Kristi Lynn Noem was born on November 30, 1971, in Watertown, South Dakota, and she was raised alongside her three siblings on the family's farm and ranch in rural Hamlin County. In 1990, she graduated from Hamlin High School, where she was crowned South Dakota Snow Queen. In 1994, Noem’s father was killed in an accident, and she left college to manage the family farm. 
 
Noem first entered public service in 2006 when she was elected to the South Dakota House of Representatives. Representing the 6th district, she quickly became known for her advocacy on agriculture and economic policy and advocated for increased gun rights and reformed property taxes. During her second term in the South Dakota House of Representatives, she served as an assistant majority leader.
 
In 2010, she successfully ran for South Dakota’s at-large congressional seat in the US House of Representatives. As a congresswoman, Noem aligned with conservative principles, emphasizing tax cuts, deregulation, and rural development. Although Noem had attended a variety of colleges in South Dakota, while she was in Congress, she took online classes to finish, graduating with a degree in political science from South Dakota State University in 2012. 
 
After four terms in Congress, Noem decided to run for governor of South Dakota in 2018. She won the election, becoming the state’s first female governor. As governor, Noem focused on cutting taxes, reducing regulations, and expanding economic opportunities in South Dakota. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she gained national attention for her refusal to implement statewide lockdowns or mask mandates, arguing for personal responsibility over government intervention. Her approach drew both praise and criticism but solidified her reputation as a staunch conservative leader.
 
Noem was reelected as governor in 2022, continuing her focus on limiting government intervention and promoting business-friendly policies. She remained a vocal supporter of former President Donald Trump and aligned herself with the broader conservative movement on issues such as gun rights, border security, and social policies. She wrote two books: Not My First Rodeo: Lessons from the Heartland (2022) and No Going Back (2024).
 
By 2024, Noem was considered a top contender for national office, with speculation about her as a potential vice-presidential pick. Following Trump’s victory in the 2024 election, he nominated her for Secretary of Homeland Security. The Senate voted to confirm her appointment on January 25, 2025, making her the first South Dakotan to lead the department. As Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, Noem led one of the federal government’s largest departments, with 260,000 employees and a budget in excess of $100 billion.