BASSETT, N.E.(WNAX)- A national republican operative says South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem is becoming an important national figure in the GOP.

Corey Lewandowski says Noem has an important race next year.

Lewandowski says Noem has become known nationally for what she did in South Dakota during the pandemic.

Lewandowski was appearing with Nebraska republican candidate for Governor David Herbster at the Sandhills Ranch Expo in Bassett.