Kristi Noem is the secretary of the Department of Homeland Security and former South Dakota governor.
She was confirmed as President Donald Trump's nominee after a 59-34 vote Jan. 25, 2025, by the U.S. Senate.
Previously, Noem had been a potential pick by Trump for vice president. She became the first woman to serve as South Dakota's governor when voters elected her to the position in 2018. Noem was re-elected as governor in 2022, and resigned to lead Homeland Security.
Prior to being governor, Noem served four terms in the U.S. House of Representatives and four terms in the State Legislature.
Public broadcasting leader predicts layoffs, complete loss of local programming could snowball into loss of donor support
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The governor is expected to unveil a tight budget for the next fiscal year on Tuesday, though she likely won't be in office to implement it. The budget address begins at 1 p.m. central time.
Governor also hires additional internal control officer and says legislation is forthcoming
Chris Shilken was commissioner of the Governor's Office of Economic Development but withdrew in February before Senate confirmation amid revalations about Freedom Works Here marketing campaign.
Rep. Tony Venhuizen of Sioux Falls, who served as chief of staff for Govs. Dennis Daugaard and Kristi Noem, explains the process.
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