ABOUT ME,
Lieutenant Colonel Steve Holden
WHERE I COME FROM
I was born in October of 1972 to David and Helen Jane Holden. My Mother was adopted off tribal lands in Oklahoma by the Indian Tribal Welfare Agency in Tulsa. I grew up in rural Oklahoma, where my grandparents ran a dairy farm. I was a member of Future Farmers of America and 4-H.
In 1992, I graduated from Northeastern Oklahoma A&M Junior College with a degree in Criminal Justice. I then attended The University of Central Oklahoma where I received my degree in Political Science. While commissioned, the Army selected me to attend Syracuse University in a dual master's program in business administration and public administration. I am a certified Defense Financial Manager through the federal government, certified to handle public funds.
My childhood in rural America, as well as my academic pursuits, gave me the perspective that now informs my approach to legislation.
MY MILITARY CAREER
While working on my degree in Political Science at the University of Central Oklahoma, I was commissioned as an Infantry Officer and then served in the Finance Corps.
In 2003, I was sent on my first deployment to Iraq where I was involved in the capture of Saddam Hussein with 4th Infantry Division. In 2005, I was sent on second deployment to Iraq with the 3rd Cavalry Regiment Commanded by LTG(R) H.R. McMaster. I was deployed twice to Afghanistan in 2010 and again in 2013 with the 4th Infantry Division. During my final deployment in Afghanistan I served as a Senior Consultant to the Afghan Air Force helping more than 100 Afghan interpreters and their families find refuge in the United States.
During my service I have worked in various roles supporting Central Command, Army Audit, and recently as a Government Wide Financial Management Instructor and consultant. More on my recent activities will be shared in the near future.
I took an oath to defend the Constitution, our country, and our citizens from all enemies, foreign and domestic. I may have retired from the Army, but I remain committed to the oath I made and will continue to observe that oath. This oath begins the story of WHY I have decided to run for public office and to serve as New York’s Congressman in the 21st District.
MISSION STATEMENT
NY 21 Deserves Better
Running for Congress is no small task; if it were, the field would be flooded with candidates. It is not an endeavor I take lightly. My choice to run comes down to my values and principles. I want to serve, to make a difference, and to see our county and its citizens become the best possible version of ourselves. I know the voters of New York's 21st Congressional District have needs that have been ignored for almost 9 years. I believe, with my education, service and professional experience, that I can deliver results to the District.
I’m passionate about a variety of issues: Veteran’s affairs, infrastructure, farming, including family farms, jobs, unions, gun violence, reproductive freedom, equality, and equity, voting rights and access, mental health, inflation, and housing. As a legislator, it is my job to listen to your perspectives and find solutions that work for the greater good. I want to know what your concerns are and how you think I can best help you, your family, and your community.
You deserve better NY 21, and you can believe in me, Steve Holden.