SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO.com) — Gov. Kristi Noem’s rising national profile is our No. 4 non-COVID story of 2020 in our annual countdown.
The governor went against the grain this year with a hands-off approach to the coronavirus pandemic, resisting statewide containment measures.
She also expressed doubt about the effectiveness of masks after leading medical experts concluded mask-wearing slows the spread of COVID-19.
Noem was on the road frequently with the Trump campaign, appearing in Wisconsin, Florida and Maine among other states.
She also gained attention for less serious moments like the state’s “Meth: We’re On It” campaign and a Twitter video where she appeared to make light of social distancing.
This is how we do social distancing in South Dakota. pic.twitter.com/AjegUsKHhv
— Governor Kristi Noem (@govkristinoem) September 23, 2020
Some analysts have speculated Noem may run for a position in national politics in the future, but the governor says she is committed to serving South Dakotans and will run for re-election in 2022.
