Kristi Noem, U.S. Congress

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kristi_Noem

Kristi Lynn Noem (née Arnold, born November 30, 1971) is the U.S. Representative for South Dakota's at-large congressional district, serving since January 2011. She is a member of the Republican Party and was elected to the Republican Leadership for the 112th Congress as one of its two freshman representatives. She previously represented the 6th District in the South Dakota House of Representatives for four years, serving as an Assistant Majority Leader during her final year. She is a farmer, rancher and small business owner by profession.

During the COVID-19 pandemic in South Dakota, Noem took a hands-off approach. She did not implement face mask mandates, but left communities the flexibility to do so. While considering the health advice of the medical community, she was vocal about her doubts of the efficacy of mask-wearing in children due to studies citing the decreased risk from exposure to the virus, and encouraged parents to consider keeping their children in schools during the pandemic. To stimulate the state's economy during the economic downturn, she encouraged tourism to the state's vast open areas.