Rep. Noem hires new spokeswoman

• Andrea McCarthy

Andrea McCarthy

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Rep. Kristi Noem has a new spokeswoman.

Andrea McCarthy assumed her duties Monday for the freshman representative from rural Hamlin County. McCarthy replaces Josh Shields, who resigned earlier this year and moved back to his hometown of Rapid City.

Jordan Stoick, Noem’s chief of staff, had been serving as her interim spokesman.

McCarthy previously worked for Rep. Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif. The two are not related.

Previously, she worked as an intern for the John McCain presidential campaign and for California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, rising to the title of deputy press secretary after three years.

She is a Red Bluff, Calif., native and a graduate of Pepperdine University. She said she grew up doing rodeo and 4-H and has maintained an affinity for rural issues.

“When the chance to work for Kristi came up, I was absolutely thrilled,” McCarthy said. “I had followed her work during her first year in office and was very impressed by her work ethic and commitment to South Dakota. And her background as a farmer and rancher was something I can personally relate to.”

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