Kristi Noem sworn in as South Dakota governor

PIERRE, S.D. (AP) – Republican Gov. Kristi Noem says it’s a “distinct honor” to serve as South Dakota’s first female governor.

Noem took her oath of office Saturday. In her inaugural address, Noem said she couldn’t let the day pass without commenting on its “historic nature.”

Noem’s election to her first term as governor in November came 100 years and one day after women’s suffrage passed in South Dakota.

Noem says she didn’t campaign on gender, but she says the milestone is an honor, foremost because of the message it sends to children in South Dakota that anything is possible. Noem says she wants to be governor for the next generation.

Noem is the state’s 33rd governor.

01-07-2019