Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem, both former members of Congress, have drastically different political ideologies and have begun publicly criticizing each other. A decade ago, they had a friendly relationship while cosponsoring legislation and working together on various bills. Noem has recently labeled Walz as a radical, criticizing his handling of the Covid pandemic and accusing him of supporting socialism. Walz has refrained from responding to Noem’s comments and instead focuses on bipartisan efforts to help farmers and veterans, emphasizing his ability to compromise without compromising his values.
Despite their political differences, Walz and Noem previously worked together on various bills during their time in Congress. They pushed for the Protect Our Prairies Act of 2013, aimed at protecting rural land from excessive farming. Their partnership on legislation showcased their ability to find common ground despite their differing political approaches. Their collaboration was particularly notable given their contrasting ideologies; Walz was known as a moderate Democrat while Noem was viewed as a conservative firebrand.
Congressional friendships like the one between Walz and Noem can endure even after lawmakers leave Capitol Hill. While their relationship has soured in recent years, they previously collaborated on biofuels and agriculture policies as governors of neighboring states. However, their public rapport began to sour during the Covid pandemic, with Noem resisting lockdown measures while Walz implemented restrictions in Minnesota. Their differing approaches to the pandemic further strained their relationship.
The run-ins between Noem and Walz continued after they became governors, with occasional collaborations on shared issues like biofuels and agriculture policy. However, by 2020, their relationship had deteriorated further, with public criticisms and subtweets exchanged between the two governors. Noem’s national attention for resistance to lockdown orders and criticism of other states marked a turning point in their relationship, leading to further public disagreements and criticisms.
Overall, the relationship between Governor Tim Walz and Governor Kristi Noem has evolved from a friendly partnership in Congress to public criticisms and political disagreements. Despite their previous collaboration on legislation and shared interests in agriculture and rural protections, their diverging political ideologies and approaches to key issues have strained their relationship. While their past camaraderie may have faded, the contrasting paths they have taken in their respective governorships highlight the challenges of maintaining political friendships amid shifting political landscapes.
