Kristi Noem Net Worth

Kristi Noem is an American politician and former business owner who has an estimated net worth of $4 million.

Noem served as the Governor of South Dakota from 2019 to 2025 before later becoming the U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security. A member of the Republican Party, she first gained national attention during her time in the United States House of Representatives, where she represented South Dakota’s at-large congressional district from 2011 to 2019.

Known for her conservative political views and strong support of Donald Trump, Noem became one of the most visible Republican governors during the COVID-19 pandemic due to her opposition to statewide lockdowns and mask mandates.

Her political career has spanned state government, Congress, and the presidential Cabinet.

In March 2026, Trump removed Noem from her position as head of the United States Department of Homeland Security and reassigned her to a diplomatic role called Envoy for the Shield of the Americas, a regional initiative focused on security cooperation across the Western Hemisphere.

Early Life

Kristi Noem was born Kristi Lynn Arnold on November 30, 1971, in Watertown, South Dakota.

She was raised on a family farm and ranch in rural Hamlin County, an upbringing that later became a central part of her political identity.

Noem initially attended Northern State University in Aberdeen, South Dakota, but left before completing her degree.

In 1994, her father died in a farming accident, forcing Noem to return home to help manage the family farm and ranch. She also helped operate the family’s hunting lodge and restaurant, balancing those responsibilities while raising a young family.

Years later, she resumed her education and completed coursework through several institutions before earning a bachelor’s degree in political science from South Dakota State University in 2012, while she was already serving in Congress.

South Dakota Legislature

Noem began her political career in 2006, when she was elected to the South Dakota House of Representatives.

Representing District 6, she served four years in the state legislature.

During her time in Pierre, the state capital, she focused on issues including:

• Agriculture policy
• Taxation
• Property rights

Her background as a rancher and small-business owner helped her build strong support among rural voters and quickly establish herself as a rising figure in the South Dakota Republican Party.

U.S. House of Representatives

In 2010, Noem ran for South Dakota’s at-large seat in the United States House of Representatives.

The race attracted national attention, and she narrowly defeated Democratic incumbent Stephanie Herseth Sandlin in the general election.

Noem took office in January 2011 as South Dakota’s only member of the House.

During her four terms in Congress, she aligned closely with conservative Republicans on issues such as:

• Federal spending
• Tax policy
• Gun rights
• Government regulation

She also became an outspoken advocate for agriculture and rural economic development, frequently appearing on national television and at conservative political events.

Noem served in Congress until 2019, when she left Washington to become governor.

Governor of South Dakota

In 2018, Noem ran for governor after Republican Governor Dennis Daugaard reached his term limit.

She won the election and became the first woman elected governor of South Dakota.

Her tenure gained national attention during the COVID-19 pandemic, when she chose not to impose statewide lockdowns or mask mandates, arguing that individuals and businesses should make their own decisions.

The policy made her popular among many conservative voters, but it also drew criticism from public health officials and political opponents.

During her time as governor, she also focused on:

• Tax policy
• Agricultural development
• Economic growth in rural communities

Noem was reelected in 2022, securing a second term as governor.

Secretary of Homeland Security

In early 2025, Donald Trump selected Noem to lead the United States Department of Homeland Security.

As Secretary of Homeland Security, she oversaw one of the largest agencies in the federal government. The department is responsible for areas such as:

• Border security
• Immigration enforcement
• Disaster response
• Cybersecurity
• Protection of national leaders through the United States Secret Service

Her tenure was largely defined by the administration’s strict immigration policies, including increased enforcement along the U.S.–Mexico border.

Removal from the Cabinet

In March 2026, President Donald Trump removed Kristi Noem from her position as Secretary of Homeland Security after months of political tensions and criticism over the department’s operations.

She was replaced by Markwayne Mullin, a U.S. senator from Oklahoma.

Trump announced that Noem would instead take on a diplomatic role as Envoy for the Shield of the Americas, a regional security initiative aimed at strengthening cooperation among countries in the Western Hemisphere.

Her departure made her the first Cabinet secretary to leave the administration during Trump’s second presidential term.

Personal Life

Kristi Noem is married to Bryon Noem, an insurance agent and businessman.

The couple has three children and maintains strong ties to their ranching background in South Dakota.

Outside politics, Noem has frequently emphasized her rural upbringing, farming experience, and small-business background, which have played a major role in shaping both her political image and her public appeal.

Also Read: What is Markwayne Mullin Net Worth?