As political figures rise through national ranks, public curiosity naturally expands to their families. Kristi Noem, known for her tenure as South Dakota governor and her role as United States Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, shares three children with her husband, Bryon Noem: Kassidy, Kennedy, and Booker. While public profiles often spotlight political trajectories, the family dynamic centers heavily on their roots in rural South Dakota.
Understanding who Kristi Noem's children are requires looking past political headlines and examining their individual paths, careers, and families. From agriculture and nonprofit management to athletics and corporate roles, the three Noem children have forged distinct paths away from the immediate glare of elected office.
Kassidy Noem-Peters: The Eldest Daughter
Born on April 21, 1994, Kassidy Noem-Peters is the oldest of the three siblings. Growing up on the family farm in rural South Dakota, she was active in high school athletics, playing both volleyball and basketball. She initially attended the University of Sioux Falls to play volleyball while studying pre-dentistry before transferring to South Dakota State University, where she graduated in 2016 with a degree in agricultural business and management.
Kassidy initially pursued a career in real estate appraisal. Her professional path shifted following public scrutiny regarding her state certification process—controversies that prompted her to surrender her real estate license to protect her personal and professional reputation. Since stepping away from real estate, she has focused on the nonprofit sector, working with organizations such as Call to Freedom, Collision Student Ministries, and Pheasants Forever & Quail Forever.
In June 2019, Kassidy married Kyle Peters. Kyle later became involved in local governance, winning a city council seat, and worked briefly in business development with the state government. Kassidy and Kyle have three children—Adeline, Branch, and Lennon—making Kristi Noem a grandmother multiple times over.
Kennedy Noem-Frick: Athletics and Professional Pursuits
Kennedy Noem is the middle child of the family. Like her older sister, she grew up immersed in the family's agricultural lifestyle and developed a strong competitive streak in sports during her school years. She pursued higher education and athletic interests, maintaining a lower public profile than her mother while navigating her own career path.
Kennedy has balanced multiple professional endeavors, including teaching Pilates and working as an account executive for TRI Industries. She married her husband, Tyler Frick, and has largely stayed out of the direct political spotlight, focusing on her career, fitness instruction, and family life in the Midwest.
Booker Noem: The Youngest Sibling
Booker Noem is the youngest of the three children. Growing up during his mother's transition from a local rancher and state legislator to a member of Congress and eventually governor, Booker experienced a childhood shaped by public service.
Unlike his older sisters, Booker has maintained an exceptionally private lifestyle, avoiding heavy social media exposure and public political commentary. He has focused on personal pursuits, education, and private sector opportunities, staying grounded in the family's South Dakota roots.
Family Dynamics and Public Scrutiny
Being part of a high-profile political family comes with unique challenges. The Noem children grew up splitting time between their family farm, legislative sessions in Pierre, and Washington, D.C., during their mother's congressional years. Kristi Noem frequently credits her family as her primary support system, often highlighting how her children keep her grounded amidst intense partisan environments.
At the same time, this visibility brings constant media attention. From scrutiny over state employment and professional certifications to rumors regarding family estates, the children have had to navigate the fine line between private citizenship and public association. Despite these pressures, all three siblings have chosen careers and lives centered around private enterprise, community involvement, and family.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many children does Kristi Noem have?
Kristi Noem has three children with her husband Bryon: Kassidy, Kennedy, and Booker.
What are the careers of Kristi Noem's children?
Kassidy has worked in agricultural business and nonprofit development; Kennedy has worked in corporate account management and fitness instruction; and Booker maintains a private lifestyle focused on personal and professional pursuits outside of politics.
Are Kristi Noem's children married?
Yes, her oldest daughters, Kassidy and Kennedy, are married with families of their own, making Kristi and Bryon grandparents.
Where did Kristi Noem's children grow up?
They grew up primarily on a farm and ranch in rural South Dakota, attending local schools and participating in high school athletics before attending universities within the state.