Kristi Noem's statue unveiled in South Dakota as she hints at possible Senate run

Former South Dakota governor Kristi Noem attended the unveiling of a bronze statue honoring her at Pierre's Trail of Governors on August 7. The ceremony, attended by about 100 people, also featured the display of her official portrait inside the state Capitol. Noem’s husband, Bryon, was absent, and her mother recently claimed the couple were divorcing, though no papers have been filed.

Noem, now serving as President Donald Trump’s special envoy for the Shield of the Americas, said she is not planning to run for the U.S. Senate in 2028 but would not rule out a future campaign. She emphasized her focus on border security and international cooperation, adding, “I may someday, but you know, we ran 13 races and won them all, so campaigns don’t scare me.”