As Governor of South Dakota and a prominent figure in national politics, Kristi Noem’s public life is well-documented, but her role as a mother provides a different lens through which to view her career. Alongside her husband, Bryon Noem, she has raised three children—Kassidy, Kennedy, and Booker—whose lives have unfolded in parallel with her rise from a state legislator to a national political figure. The ages and life stages of her children offer a unique timeline, marking significant personal milestones that have occurred alongside pivotal moments in her political trajectory, from her tenure in the U.S. House of Representatives to her leadership in the governor's mansion.
The foundation of the Noem family is deeply rooted in rural South Dakota. Kristi and Bryon Noem married in 1992 and built their life on the Racota Valley Ranch near Castlewood, a place that has remained central to their family identity. It was here they raised their three children, instilling in them the values of farm life long before Kristi Noem entered the political arena. Her political journey began in 2006 when she was elected to the South Dakota House of Representatives, a time when her children were still young. Kassidy was around 12, Kennedy was 10, and Booker was just five years old. This period marked the beginning of a life where family events would increasingly be balanced against the demands of public service, a theme that has persisted throughout her career.
Kassidy Noem Peters: The Eldest Child
Born around 1994, Kassidy Noem Peters is the eldest of the three Noem children and is currently around 30 years old. Growing up, she witnessed her mother's political ascent from a local to a national stage. She attended South Dakota State University, pursuing a degree in business economics. After college, her professional life took a path that would eventually intersect with her mother's administration in a highly public and controversial manner.
Kassidy's career in real estate and finance became a focal point of media attention and ethical scrutiny in 2020. At the time, she was seeking to obtain her state real estate appraiser license. After her initial application was denied, Governor Noem summoned the head of the state agency that oversaw the licensing, the agency head's direct supervisor, and her daughter Kassidy to a meeting at the governor's office. Following this meeting, Kassidy was given another opportunity to obtain her license and was ultimately successful. The episode led to allegations of nepotism and an abuse of power. The Associated Press reported extensively on the matter, revealing that the agency head, Sherry Bren, was later allegedly pressured to retire and received a $200,000 settlement from the state to withdraw an age discrimination complaint. In response to the controversy, Governor Noem defended her actions, stating she was simply working to cut bureaucratic red tape. In her memoir, "Not My First Rodeo," she wrote, "I was helping my daughter, who was being treated unfairly."
Despite the public scrutiny, Kassidy has continued her career and started a family of her own. She is married to Kyle Peters, and they have children, making Kristi Noem a grandmother. This new role has been a frequent and proud feature on the governor’s social media, showcasing a softer, more personal side to the often-combative political figure.
Kennedy Noem: The Politically Engaged Daughter
The Noems' second daughter, Kennedy, was born around 1996 and is approximately 28 years old. Like her older sister, she grew up with her mother's political career as a constant backdrop. However, Kennedy has appeared to embrace the political world more directly than her siblings. She has been a visible and active participant in her mother's political endeavors for years.
Kennedy's involvement has been multifaceted. She has served in official and unofficial capacities on her mother's campaigns, often seen traveling with the governor to political events and rallies. Her role has been described as a key advisor and a significant part of her mother's inner circle. Her professional experience includes serving as a policy analyst and managing campaign logistics, demonstrating a deep immersion in the operational side of politics. This close working relationship highlights a dynamic where family and political life are not just parallel but deeply intertwined.
Her public profile is more pronounced than that of her siblings. She has been featured in campaign advertisements and often appears in official photos, projecting the image of a tight-knit political family. This involvement has naturally led to speculation about her own political ambitions, though she has not publicly declared any intention to run for office herself. Her age places her at a stage where she is building a professional identity, and for Kennedy, that identity is firmly situated at the intersection of family and politics.
Booker Noem: The Youngest Sibling
Booker Noem, the youngest child and only son, was born around 2001, making him approximately 23 years old. His childhood and adolescence were almost entirely defined by his mother's public service. He was just nine when his mother was elected to the U.S. Congress in 2010, meaning he spent his formative years with his mother splitting her time between Washington, D.C., and South Dakota. When she became governor in 2019, Booker was a teenager finishing high school.
Compared to his sisters, Booker has maintained a much lower public profile. While he occasionally appears in family photos shared by his mother—often related to hunting, fishing, or other family activities on the ranch—he has not been involved in her political operations in the same way as his sister Kennedy, nor has he faced the public scrutiny that Kassidy has. He attended South Dakota State University, where he was involved in the rodeo club, reflecting the family's deep agricultural roots.
In recent years, Booker has celebrated personal milestones, including his marriage. His life represents that of a young adult forging his own path, largely outside the direct glare of the political spotlight that shines so brightly on his mother. His age and life stage reflect a transition from being the "governor's son" to building an independent adult life, a common experience for children of prominent political figures.
The lives of Kristi Noem's three children—Kassidy, Kennedy, and Booker—offer a compelling narrative of a family navigating the complexities of public life. Their respective ages chart a course from childhood in rural South Dakota to adulthood under the microscope of state and national politics. From the professional controversies faced by Kassidy, to the political immersion of Kennedy, to the more private life of Booker, each has forged a distinct path. As Kristi Noem continues her political career, the ongoing story of her children will remain a testament to the unique challenges and opportunities that come with growing up in one of America's most visible political families.
