New Members 2010 - South Dakota

REP.-ELECT KRISTI NOEM (R-S.D.-At large)

Date of Birth: Nov. 30, 1971
Birthplace: Hamlin County, S.D.
Residence: Castlewood, S.D.
Occupation: Farmer, rancher, lodge owner
Education: Attended Northern State University and South Dakota State University
Previous Office Held: State representative
Family: Husband, Bryon; three children

Proving to be a prolific fundraiser in her race against Rep. Stephanie Herseth Sandlin, expect Kristi Noem to emerge as a rising Republican star in the House.

She has already evoked comparisons to former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin, but Noem rejected any national attention during her race for South Dakota’s at-large seat.

A farmer, Noem raises cattle and horses on her family’s farm in Castlewood. She is still working on her degree in political science, after leaving college in the ’90s to return to work on the family farm after the death of her father. She was first elected to the state House in 2008.

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