Noem wins four more years in Governor’s office

By: John Hult - November 8, 2022 10:45 pm

Kristi Noem has defeated Democrat Jamie Smith to earn another four years in the governor’s mansion in Pierre.

Noem was leading 63-34% with more than half of precincts reporting when the Associated Press called the race.

Noem told her supporters that states across the country are electing Republican governors because “they want what South Dakota has” in terms of economic growth and a hands-off approach to governance.

Smith called Noem before she took the stage, she said, to concede the race.

“Jamie and I had a very different vision for our state,” Noem said. “Tonight, the vision of less government and more freedom won out.”

Gov. Kristi Noem greeting her mother, Corrine Arnold, before giving a victory speech upon her re-election. (John Hult/South Dakota Searchlight)

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John Hult

John is the senior reporter for South Dakota Searchlight. He has more than 15 years experience covering criminal justice, the environment and public affairs in South Dakota, including more than a decade at the Sioux falls Argus Leader.