WASHINGTON, D.C.(SDBA)- Kristi Noem has been confirmed as the next secretary of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) following a Senate vote on Saturday morning.
Noem received 59 votes in favor and 34 votes against, easily clearing the simple majority threshold she needed for confirmation. Noem passed the Senate, which allows the chamber to review and approve presidential cabinet nominees.
President Donald Trump selected Noem for the role based on her strong stance on immigration. She has been a loyal supporter of Trump.
DHS employs more than 260,000 people and oversees federal organizations like the Coast Guard, Secret Service, FEMA, and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). the Coast Guard, Secret Service, FEMA, and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA).
Kristi Noem resigned as Governor minutes after being confirmed as the new Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
Noem, the first female governor of South Dakota, wrote a letter to her successor, Larry Rhoden, wishing him well as he assumed office.
“Under God, the People Rule,” Noem reminded Gov. Rhoden in the letter, referencing the state’s motto. “I chose you because I knew that you would approach the role the same way that I did.”
Rhoden, 65, becomes the 34th governor of South Dakota.
The longtime policymaker from Union Center has a long history in state politics, having served as a lawmaker in both the South Dakota House and Senate before becoming lieutenant governor in 2019. He took a brief hiatus from Pierre politics in order to run for U.S. Senate in 2014, but lost in the GOP primary to Sen. Mike Rounds. He and his family ranch in Meade County. He is married to Sandy, and the two have four kids together.
Rhoden’s move into the governor’s office has been anticipated for months, and on Friday, the state Senate, which he had led as Senate president, bid him a bipartisan farewell.
“The best part of my job has been meeting the people,” Rhoden said in his final remarks as Senate president.
Rhoden acknowledged acceptance of Noem’s resignation letter in a statement posted to X.
“I look forward to keeping South Dakota strong, safe, and free,” the newly minted governor said.
Much of Noem’s staff is expected to remain in place, though details are still forthcoming. Rhoden will take the oath of office Monday and is expected to address the state legislature later in the week. A new lieutenant governor will also be named soon.