Kristi Noem, the governor of South Dakota, has built a political career on conservative values, rural traditions, and an unwavering commitment to her state. But behind her rise in the Republican Party is her husband, Bryon Noem—a man who, despite staying out of the political spotlight, has been an anchor in her life.
So, who is Bryon, and what is their relationship really like? Let’s dive into their decades-long journey together, from high school sweethearts to one of the most talked-about couples in American politics.
A Love Story That Started in High School
Kristi and Bryon’s story is straight out of small-town America. The two met in high school in Hamlin County, South Dakota, where they bonded over their shared love for farming and rural life. While many teenage romances fizzle out, theirs only grew stronger.
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In 1992, when Kristi was just 20 years old and a student at South Dakota State University, she married Bryon in a ceremony held in Watertown, South Dakota. This marked the beginning of a partnership that would see them navigate the challenges of family, business, and eventually, national politics.
Who Is Kristi’s Husband Bryon?
While Kristi’s name dominates political headlines, Bryon has cultivated a quiet but impactful presence in South Dakota. Born and raised in a farming family, he embodies the hardworking, self-reliant spirit that defines rural America.
After graduating from Northern State University with a degree in business and finance, Bryon balanced multiple roles—coaching basketball, working on the family farm, and eventually entering the insurance industry. He worked at Bryant State Bank before purchasing its insurance branch, which became Noem Insurance, a successful business that provides crop insurance for farmers.
The First Gentleman of South Dakota
When Kristi became South Dakota’s first female governor in 2019, Bryon took on an unfamiliar role: First Gentleman. Instead of involving himself in policy, he created a statewide initiative called “This Is South Dakota,” which focuses on celebrating and supporting small rural communities.
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In his official statement on the governor’s website, Bryon emphasized his mission:
“I want people here to learn more about their own state, and I want people outside to learn how great South Dakota is. It’s my mission to uncover some of these hidden gems and celebrate the incredible value our small towns bring to our state.”
Despite the demands of Kristi’s political career, Bryon has remained committed to South Dakota’s rural culture, small businesses, and farming communities—ensuring that the values they both grew up with remain intact.
Do Kristi and Bryon Noem Have Children?
Yes! Kristi and Bryon are parents to three children:
- Kassidy Noem Peters (born 1993) – Married to agribusiness consultant Kyle Peters, Kassidy made headlines in 2021 due to allegations that Kristi used her political influence to help fast-track her daughter’s real estate license.
- Kennedy Noem (born 1995) – A graduate of South Dakota State University, Kennedy has worked as a policy analyst for her mother’s administration.
- Booker Noem (born 2002) – The youngest of the Noem children, Booker has largely stayed out of the political spotlight.
Kristi is also a grandmother, as Kassidy and her husband welcomed their daughter, Adeline “Addie” West Peters, in 2021. In a 2024 social media post, Kristi shared that she has three grandchildren, with another on the way.
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The Noem Family Business Empire
While politics has taken center stage in Kristi’s life, she and Bryon have built an impressive business empire in South Dakota. In addition to Noem Insurance, the couple owns multiple ventures, including:
- A farm and ranch that has been in their family for generations.
- A hunting lodge, catering to South Dakota’s strong outdoor tourism industry.
- An ice cream shop and a family restaurant.
Despite Kristi’s demanding role in politics, Bryon is often credited with managing the family’s businesses, keeping their roots in agriculture and entrepreneurship strong.
A Marriage Under Scrutiny
While Kristi and Bryon’s relationship has been publicly celebrated as a strong, faith-driven partnership, their relationship has faced intense scrutiny in recent years.
Rumors of marital strain and infidelity began circulating in 2021 when reports alleged that Kristi had an affair with Corey Lewandowski, former campaign manager for Donald Trump. These allegations, though widely denied by Kristi as “total garbage,” fueled speculation about the state of their marriage.
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Adding to the controversy, Kristi’s 2022 memoir detailed a shocking anecdote where she admitted to shooting the family dog, Cricket, for being “untrainable” and “dangerous.” The story sparked national backlash, with critics questioning both her judgment and the moral implications of her actions.
Through it all, Bryon has remained silent, leading many to speculate about the private reality of their relationship. Still, the couple continues to make public appearances together, with Bryon recently posting a heartfelt 32nd-anniversary message on social media in 2024.
