PIERRE, S.D. (MITCHELLNOW) Governor Kristi Noem is officially the new Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, following a Senate vote early Saturday morning. Noem won confirmation with 59 votes in favor and 34 against, easily clearing the simple majority she needed. Noem’s confirmation was expected after a smooth hearing with the Senate Homeland Security Committee on January 17, where she earned a 13-2 recommendation, with some Democrats backing her nomination. As DHS Secretary, Noem will oversee more than 260,000 employees, including agencies like the Coast Guard, the Secret Service, FEMA, and the TSA.
South Dakota’s 34th Governor, Larry Rhoden, says he’s ready to step into the role following Kristi Noem’s confirmation as the next Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security. Rhoden says he’s been preparing for the role by meeting with Noem and top cabinet officials. While most of Noem’s staff is expected to stay on, more details are still coming in. Rhoden will take the oath of office today and is expected to address the state legislature later in the week. A new lieutenant governor will be announced soon.