Former South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem says she is not planning to run for the U.S. Senate in 2028, though she is not ruling out a future campaign for elected office.
Noem made the comments Friday in Pierre following the unveiling of a bronze statue honoring her as part of the city’s Trail of Governors project.
Speaking with reporters, Noem said her current focus is serving as President Donald Trump’s special envoy for the Shield of the Americas, a role focused on border security and homeland security initiatives with other countries.
While dismissing plans for a Senate bid in 2028, Noem said she would not completely take future campaigns “off the table,” noting her undefeated record in 13 political races.
The ceremony drew about 100 people and included the unveiling of both Noem’s statue and her official gubernatorial portrait. The statue depicts Noem leading her horse, Iceman, and is now part of the Trail of Governors in Pierre.
During her remarks, Noem thanked family members in attendance and praised Governor Larry Rhoden and First Lady Sandy Rhoden for their leadership of South Dakota.
Noem served as South Dakota’s first female governor before resigning in 2025 to join the Trump administration. She now serves in the newly created special envoy position.
