For Immediate Release

SDDP Statement on Kristi Noem’s Abuse of Power

Sioux Falls – As reported by the Associated Press, Kristi Noem abused her position to help her daughter become an appraiser. “Just days after a South Dakota agency moved to deny her daughter’s application to become a certified real estate appraiser, Gov. Kristi Noem summoned to her office the state employee who ran the agency, the woman’s direct supervisor and the state labor secretary,” reported the AP.

“I’ve never seen a clearer case of nepotism. Again and again, we’ve seen Kristi Noem prioritize her own interests over what’s best for South Dakota. Kristi Noem abused her power, and South Dakotans deserve better. After a breach of public trust like this, Kristi Noem has demonstrated she isn’t up to the task of leading our great state with the integrity South Dakotans expect and deserve,” said South Dakota House Democratic Leader Jamie Smith. 

While Kristi Noem hands out political favors to her family and embroils the state in endless controversy, South Dakota Democrats are focused on bringing people together to solve problems for all South Dakotans. We believe government should value and reward hard work, not your last name. South Dakotans should elect Democrats to bring our state’s focus back to important issues like healthcare, education, and good-paying jobs instead of Kristi Noem’s embarrassing actions.

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