Steven Holden was born in Miami, Oklahoma. He served in the U.S. Army from 1998 to 2018. He earned an associate degree from Northeastern Oklahoma A&M College in 1992, a bachelor's degree from the University of Central Oklahoma in 1994, and a graduate degree from Syracuse University in 2007. His career experience includes working as a chief financial officer. He is certified by the federal government as a Defense Financial Manager.[1][2]
Note: At this time, Ballotpedia is combining all declared candidates for this election into one list under a general election heading. As primary election dates are published, this information will be updated to separate general election candidates from primary candidates as appropriate.
General election
The general election will occur on November 3, 2026.
General election for U.S. House New York District 24
Note: At this time, Ballotpedia is combining all declared candidates for this election into one list under a general election heading. As primary election dates are published, this information will be updated to separate general election candidates from primary candidates as appropriate.
General election
The general election will occur on November 3, 2026.
General election for U.S. House New York District 21
The following candidates are running in the general election for U.S. House New York District 21 on November 3, 2026.
The Conservative Party primary election was canceled. Incumbent Elise Stefanik advanced from the Conservative Party primary for U.S. House New York District 21.
Working Families Party primary election
The Working Families Party primary election was canceled. Paula Collins advanced from the Working Families Party primary for U.S. House New York District 21.
The Conservative Party primary election was canceled. Incumbent Claudia Tenney advanced from the Conservative Party primary for U.S. House New York District 24.
Endorsements
To view Holden's endorsements in the 2022 election, please click here.
Video submitted to Ballotpedia Released January 31, 2023
Steven Holden completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Holden's responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.
I am LTC Steven Holden. I was raised in Oklahoma on my grandfather’s dairy farm, so I understand rural America. I went into the Army and was deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan twice and received three Bronze Stars. I am a retired Lt. Colonel with more than 20 years of service.
Now, I want to deploy to Washington DC to fight for my constituents in NY21, who have largely been ignored by their current representative.
In college, I earned my BA in criminal justice while in the National Guard, then I received my commission and retired as an Army Finance Corps Lieutenant Colonel. I also earned an MBA and an MPA (master’s in public administration) from Syracuse University. While in Syracuse, I met the love of my life, my wife Julie, who also served in the Army. We have three children and one grandchild.
I am the CFO of an organization that helps military veterans win government contracts and I teach finance and mergers and acquisitions. Most recently, I served on the Naming Commission, responsible for renaming or removing military assets with names associated with the Confederate States of America.
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.
Affordable healthcare is a passion for me because it hits close to home. My father recently passed away from cancer. In his last years and months, he was more worried about his medical expenses instead of his health. People have gone into bankruptcy, and have lost everything, from their medical care expenses.
When we look at economic drivers, we cannot ignore the reality that a sick workforce is less productive. When businesses have happy and healthy employees, that business will thrive.
We are the only industrialized nation that ignores the health of our citizens. We can and we MUST do better.
We must always be compassionate, and empathetic, and listen actively to understand the needs of our constituents. We must work hard. Like my service in the Army, I won't walk away until the mission is complete.
I am an empathic and compassionate person, which allows me to connect with constituents on a personal level and understand their diverse needs. Coupled with my extensive knowledge of Federal and State processes, I am well-equipped to navigate the complexities of governance, ensuring effective representation. My strong work ethic ensures a commitment to addressing issues diligently, while my fairness fosters a balanced and just approach to decision-making. Together, these qualities form a solid foundation for success as an office holder, enabling me to advocate for my constituents with empathy, navigate legislative processes adeptly, and work tirelessly for the betterment of our community with a commitment to fairness and justice.
As a member of the House of Representatives, my foremost duty is to attentively listen to the concerns and needs of my constituents, ensuring that their voices are heard in the legislative process. This involves actively engaging with the community, understanding their challenges, and advocating for policies that address their pressing issues. Meeting the needs of my constituents requires a commitment to crafting and supporting legislation that promotes their well-being and addresses the socio-economic challenges they face. Additionally, it is imperative to maintain a principled stance by diligently avoiding conflicts of interest that could compromise the integrity of my duty to represent the people. By prioritizing transparency and accountability, I aim to foster trust with the electorate, upholding the responsibilities entrusted to me as their representative in the House.
I would like to restore Americans' faith in our government institutions, address pressing issues such as racial and economic injustice, and advocate for peaceful solutions to conflicts.
To restore faith in our institutions, it is imperative to prioritize transparency, accountability, and ethical conduct. By fostering an environment of trust, we can engage citizens in the democratic process and demonstrate a genuine dedication to serving their best interests.
The fight against racial and economic injustice demands we address disparities in education, employment, and criminal justice. A legacy focused on equity and justice involves advocating for policies that uplift marginalized communities, eliminate discriminatory practices, and create a more inclusive society.
Working towards peaceful solutions involves diplomacy, collaboration, and a commitment to dialogue over confrontation.
I would like to leave a legacy where I have rebuilt trust through transparent governance, advocated for equity and justice, and actively contributed to global peace efforts.
The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck. Set during the Great Depression, the novel focuses on a poor farming family driven from their Oklahoma home by drought, economic hardship, agricultural industry changes, and bank foreclosures. It is a story of a man evolving from selfishness to selflessness to save his family and about surviving in the face of great hardship.
I suffer from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) stemming from my military deployments. Despite the challenges posed by this condition, my aspiration is to serve as a role model for others who may be contending with similar circumstances. It is my firm belief that individuals with PTSD can thrive and contribute meaningfully to society. While managing PTSD is an ongoing journey, I am committed to showcasing that it doesn't hinder my ability to pursue a career in public service. By sharing my experiences and actively participating in public life, I aim to break down the stigma surrounding mental health, encourage open conversations, and inspire others to embrace their journeys towards recovery. My resilience in facing the impacts of PTSD serves not only as a testament to personal strength but also as an opportunity to contribute to a more inclusive and compassionate understanding of mental health challenges within the broader community.
The United States House of Representatives wields economic and social influence, as envisioned by our Founding Fathers. Representatives are held accountable for finance and taxation. Being more closely aligned with the people allows us to shape economic policies and social initiatives that serve the nation. The people have a direct say in economic decisions, reinforcing the democratic ideals upon which our nation was built.
I firmly believe that effective representation today requires an understanding of how the government functions and can actively contribute from the very first day in office. The recent trend of unqualified members who prioritize personal power and agendas that harm the interests of Americans has underscored the importance of electing experienced leaders who are committed to governance rather than grandstanding. With over two decades of experience working within the Federal Government, I bring a wealth of knowledge about its intricacies and processes. Moreover, my daily engagement in running a small business dedicated to assisting veterans in securing government contracts not only demonstrates my practical understanding of government operations but also reflects a tangible commitment to making a positive impact in the lives of those who have served our country. This unique combination of experience positions me as a candidate ready to navigate the complexities of governance, advocate for the needs of the community, and contribute meaningfully to the welfare of both veterans and the broader public.
The United States faces significant challenges in the coming decade, with climate change standing out as a paramount concern. The increasing frequency and intensity of severe weather events have taken a toll on communities nationwide, leading to extensive damages and substantial financial burdens. The nation has already invested billions in providing aid to affected areas, emphasizing the urgent need for proactive and sustainable solutions.
You can read more about my positions on the environment by visiting: https://www.believeinsteve.org/post/mission-priority-protecting-the-planet
I advocate for the implementation of mandatory term limits, driven by the recognition that prolonged stays in Washington lead to the formation of a "political elite." Over the years, we've witnessed elected officials spending decades in office, and in doing so, they become disconnected from the very constituents they were elected to serve. We have then witnessed elected representatives prioritizing the interests of the wealthy 1% and large corporations over the needs and concerns of the broader population.
Term limits can insure that elected officials remain closely aligned with the communities they represent. Term limits also encourage fresh perspectives and prevent the entrenchment of power within a select few. This approach is designed to counteract the potential for complacency and the loss of focus on the issues that matter most to the people.
In aligning with my commitment to accountable and responsive governance, I pledge to limit my service to a maximum of three terms. By adhering to these limits, I aim to remain directly connected to the concerns and aspirations of the community, prioritizing the welfare of the constituents over the interests of powerful entities.
I love the work of California District 33 Representative Ted Lieu. He is a fellow veteran, demonstrates pride in his military service, and fights for important issues, like combating climate change, expanding voting rights, and eliminating student loan debt.
Compromise is a commitment to finding commonality amid differences and stands as a testament to the strength of collaborative efforts in the pursuit of a more equitable and inclusive future for all. To achieve collective victories, each side must be willing to yield certain points to secure gains elsewhere. This allows each stakeholder to emerge with victories and, more importantly, where the broader community stands to benefit.
With my more than 20 years of experience working with the Federal budget, I would use my knowledge of the appropriations process to reduce wasteful DoD spending and put it towards peaceful alternatives in DoS and USAID, as well as maintaining social infrastructure spending.
Blue America
UAW
CWA
IBEW
NYS AFL CIO
Auburn & Buffalo papers.
Auburn Mayor Quill
Lockport Michelle Roman
2024:
Blue America
Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.
2022
Steven Holden completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2022. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Holden's responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.
I was raised in Oklahoma on my grandfather’s dairy farm, so I understand rural America. I went into the Army and was deployed to Iraq twice and Afghanistan twice and received three Bronze Stars. I am a retired Lt. Colonel with more than 20 years of service. Now, I want to deploy to Washington DC to fight for my constituents in Congress, so that everyone in NY24 can Make it in America.
My mother is of Cherokee descent; my father worked on Modoc Nation lands. I went to college and received a BA in criminal justice while in the National Guard, then I received my commission and retired as an Army Finance Corps Lieutenant Colonel. I also earned an MBA and an MPA (master’s in public administration) from Syracuse University.
While in Syracuse, I met the love of my life, my wife Julie, who served in the Army, too. We have three children, and one grandchild.
I am the CFO of an organization that helps military veterans win government contracts and I teach finance and mergers and acquisitions.
Defending the Right to Choose - Reproductive rights are under attack. As the Representative for NY24—the birthplace of the women’s rights movement--I will fight for reproductive freedom. Because reproductive rights are human rights.
Spurring Economic Development - Our rural communities need to be rebuilt with investments to bring high-speed broadband to every home; to fix roads and bridges so our farmers can get their products to market; to bring high-paying, union-based manufacturing jobs back to our country.
Protecting the Environment – NY24, the Lake District, is home to beautiful lands and waters that are the lifeblood of our local economy, supporting farms, vineyards, and tourism, to name a few of the benefits of living in this region. From Jefferson County to Niagara County, I will work to protect the environment from destructive practices, such as fracking and overdevelopment.
Affordable healthcare is a passion for me, because it hits close to home. My father has cancer, and he is more worried about his medical expenses instead of his health. People have gone into bankruptcy, and have lost everything, from their medical care expenses. My brother-in-law has an immunodeficiency condition and must volunteer for clinical trials, or his medication will cost $28K every three months. We are the only industrialized nation that allows this to happen, and we need to do better.
First, I look up to my father, David Holden. He is a model for compassion, hard work, and selfless dedication to the people in his life. In the political arena, I look up to Congresswoman Louise Slaughter. Louise represented the residents of New York for 20 years. She was a fierce fighter for women's health, she co-authored the Violence Against Women Act, took action to provide Marines with safe body armor, and was the first woman in history to chair the Rules Committee
Louise was one of the most progressive members of the New York congressional delegation from upstate New York. She was a trailblazer and a role model for advancing social justice issues, and I hope to carry on her legacy of advocacy and meaningful change.
The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck. Set during the Great Depression, the novel focuses on a poor farming family driven from their Oklahoma home by drought, economic hardship, agricultural industry changes, and bank foreclosures. It is the story of a man evolving from selfishness to selflessness to save his family and about surviving in the face of great hardship.
Compassion, empathy, intelligence, a hard-work ethic, being an active listener, having the ability to understand all sides of an issue, seeing the big picture as well as the details.
To restore Americans’ faith in our government institutions, to fight to end racial and economic injustice, and work for peaceful solutions to conflicts.
My first job was helping my grandfather haul and deliver milk to farmers and ranchers when I was 16. I worked for him until I left for college two years later.
The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck. Set during the Great Depression, the novel focuses on a poor farming family driven from their Oklahoma home by drought, economic hardship, agricultural industry changes, and bank foreclosures. It is a story of a man evolving from selfishness to selflessness to save his family and about surviving in the face of great hardship.
I suffer from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder from my military deployments, and I want to be a role model for others with this condition. I want people to see that PTSD, while an ongoing condition to manage, doesn’t hold me back from pursuing public service.
The US House of Representatives has an economic and social influence that can extend wide and far. Our Founders designed it this way so Representatives would be held to account on matters, especially finance and taxation.
Yes, I believe to be effective today, we need Representatives who know how the Government works and can hit the ground running on Day One. We have seen a rash of unqualified Members who are there for personal power, to fulfill an agenda that hurts Americans, and see them grandstand instead of govern. I have more than 20 years of experience in the Federal Government, and work with the government daily running my small business helping veterans win government contracts.
Climate change. More severe weather continues to occur, and we have spent billions to aid communities damaged and destroyed by weather events. My plan for NY24 is to provide carbon credits to reduce emissions, as well as transform communities with new and existing infrastructure to become leaders in green technology.
I believe that a three-year term would be better. As it is, Representatives are in constant campaign mode. Three years would allow more time to legislate and less time worrying about being re-elected.
I love the work of California District 33 Representative Ted Lieu. He is a fellow veteran, demonstrates pride in his military service, and fights for important issues, like combating climate change, expanding voting rights, and eliminating student loan debt.
Yes. There is a story of a woman who had a thriving pet daycare and grooming business. Eight years ago, she was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. She had to sell her business and now lives with her sister. She relies completely on social security income for her healthcare and livelihood, and without some sort of government medical program, she could not afford her medication and her physical rehabilitation. Government works for people, plain and simple.
Compromise is always appropriate in governance; each side gives something up to get something they want so that everyone can win. Also, if the players are acting in good faith and the agreement is designed to make better legislation, compromise can work.
With my more than 20 years of experience working with the Federal budget, I would use my knowledge of the appropriations process to reduce wasteful DoD spending and put it towards peaceful alternatives in DoS and USAID, as well as maintaining social infrastructure spending.
Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.
Note: Holden submitted the above survey responses to Ballotpedia on October 28, 2022.
I am a proud Progressive Veteran of Native American descent. I stand for Single=Payer Healthcare, elimination of student loan debt, protecting Native American businesses, expanding opportunity to disaffected communities, and reforming our education system. As someone who was raised in a rural environment, I understand the frustration of smaller communities, and will protect vital lifelines for those communities such as Rural Free Delivery through the USPS, rebuilding community hospitals, and protecting rural airports and shipping. I want to reimagine our in CNY to create a Green Economy through my Green New Deal for CNY, and help the US be a world leader in items such as lithium batteries for electric vehicles and blades and turbines for wind power. I will use y 20 plus career in Federal Government finance to reduce the bloated Pentagon budget and use it to sustain real and human infrastructure spending, and pay for items such as universal Pre-K through the first two years of college or a trade school. I want to eliminate the public school funding model of property taxes to a fairer Federal-State partnership model. I want to release patents so US-based COVID-19 vaccine producers can supply other parts of the world. I support the the elimination of student loan debt as a father and stepfather who put three young adults through college.
I support single-payer, Universal healthcare and having the Government negotiate for lower prescription drug prices.
We must eliminate all student loan debt so we can unburden an entire generation. This would boost the economy as it would increase new home sales, which is an indicator of economic strength.
Racial and economic justice is a must. I want to provide opportunities for disaffected communities to fix their problems and invest in their people.
I am very passionate about healthcare, economic and racial justice, and student loan debt. My father just had double cancer surgery, and instead of being more concerned about his surgery, he was worried more about his monthly premium. My brother-in-law has an immunodeficiency condition and must volunteer for clinical trails or his medication would cost over $28K every three months. Hence, we need single-payer, universal healthcare, much like I received in the military, so people like my father do not have to worry about those premiums, and have the Government negotiate medication costs so my brother-in-law does not have to continue those trials.
We have communities that the economy has left behind. Those are often communities of color and rural voters who suffer in poverty because of system rigged against them. I will propose legislation to expand access to capital in those communities so they can chart their own destiny. An example of this would be to have Federal dollars go to Native communities to clean up the environment on their lands, and to have African American communities remediate lead-based paint and eliminate noise pollution.
Finally. as I have stated, I want to pressure the Administration to eliminate student loan debt with the stroke of a pen. Absent that, I would propose legislation that would do the same. This would unburden a generation by creating new home sales, open capital to start business, and would lead to an even more productive workforce.
In my personal life, I look up to my father, David Holden. He is a model for compassion, hard work, and selfless dedication to everyone. In public life, I look up to Senator Bernie Sanders. He has spent his entire life working for economic and racial justice.
My first job was helping my Grandfather in hauling and delivering it to farmers and ranchers when I was 16. I did it until I left for college two years later.
I suffer from Post Traumatic Stress from my five deployments, and I want to be someone who those with condition can see that is strong and right to ask for help.
It is unique in that it has its ear closer to the ground of the voters and the economic and social impact it can wield is wide and far. Our Founders designed it this way so Representatives would be held to account on matter, especially finance and taxation,
Yes, I believe to be effective today, we need Representatives who know how the Government works and be ready on Day One. We have seen recently a rash of unqualified Members who are there for nothing more than to do performances and grandstand. I have more than 20 years experience in the Federal Government, and work with them on a daily basis in my line of work.
Climate change. We are about twenty years too late in combating the effects. More severe weather has occurred in the past two decades, and we have spent billions to aid communities damaged and destroyed by said weather. My Green New Deal for CNY address such an issue and would provide carbon credits to designated business to reduce emissions, as well as transforming communities such as CNY with existing infrastructure to become leaders in Green technology.
I want to get big and dark money out of politics. Until we are able to do that, I would support term limits on all Federal office holders. It would be eight years for members of the House and 12 years for Senators.
I love the work of Rep. Ted Lieu. He is a fellow Progressive Veteran who has shown you can be proud of your military service, and fight for things such as combating climate change, expanding voting rights, and eliminating student loan debt.
Yes. There is a story of a lady who had a thriving pet grooming and daycare business. About eight years ago, she was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. She had to sell her business and now lives with her sister. She completely relies on SSI for her healthcare and livelihood. Without some sort of Government medical program, she would not be able to afford her medication, and her physical rehabilitation would be non-existent.
It is how our unit in Iraq tried to buy boats, but they had no idea what went in them. They wanted a 3000 foot depth finder for the Tigris River, which is only about 100 feet deep. That depth finder is what the Navy uses on frigates to detect submarines.
it depends on what that compromise is. if it is to make better legislation, it can work, but we must understand who is acting in good faith. If it hurts those who are already hurting, then leaders should not compromise in that sense.
With my twenty-plus years' experience in Federal budget, I would use my knowledge of Federal appropriations process to reduce wasteful DoD spending and put it towards peaceful alternatives in DoS and USAID, as well as maintaining social infrastructure spending.
Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.
Note: Holden submitted the above survey responses to Ballotpedia on January 19, 2022.
Campaign website
Holden's campaign website stated the following:
“
High Speed Internet
Every household in NY-24, The Lake District, deserves access to affordable, high-speed internet. It's the backbone of business and life for processing orders; making Zoom calls; taking online classes; crunching numbers; streaming entertainment. We need it everywhere.
We need it now.
Rural Development
I will protect rural communities; bring capital and good jobs to the region; support local farms; distribute federal funds to local governments and more, using a keen eye focused on NY-24.
Women's Rights
Like the majority of Americans, I support a woman's right to choose what happens to her own body and her own life. I will fight for wage equity and help to break glass ceilings.
Affordable Healthcare
It's time for America to join the industrialized world and provide free and affordable health insurance to all its citizens. Our costs will go down; our healthcare will improve; you will be secure knowing that you won't lose your house over a hospital bill.
Infrastructure
For too long New Yorkers in NY-24 suffer with crumbling roads and bridges, and families are unable to find affordable childcare. I will bring much-needed federal funds for these hard- and soft-infrastructure expenditures.
Veterans
Our veterans and their families sacrificed themselves in service to our country. It's time they get the honor and respect they deserve, including excellent healthcare as well as senior care, in top facilities that are close to their homes.
Immigration
Our farmers, wine-growers, and others need a solid and stable immigrant labor force to keep their products moving to market.
I embrace the melting pot: most of our families came from somewhere else, and America is the better for it. I want to provide a safe harbor for immigrants. It's the right thing to do.
Gun Reform
No one is coming for your gun. And I wholeheartedly support the Second Amendment. But we need to be smart about who has access, how deadly these weapons are, and how they are bought and sold. We need to keep children safe; it's a matter of life and death.
Ethics Reform
New Yorkers in The Lake District experience their unfair share of Congressmen and others who are indicted, arrested, and serve prison time for their crimes. Sometimes those crimes are even committed on the White House lawn. I support limited access to stock trades and hold a higher standard of accountability for myself and my family.
Environment
From Lake Ontario to the Finger Lakes, water is the lifeblood of our district for farms, forests, and fishing. Landfills need to be safe, with oversight. I will fight to keep our lands and lakes safe and clean.
Community Empowerment
We will build local and hire local to keep financial investment and jobs in our communities. I will protect local banks, farms, and mom-and-pops from being overrun by multi-national corporations.
Labor and Wage Reform
Corporations and Wall Street move money to the top and keep it there, but it's workers who provide the fuel that runs our economic engine. Without you, our country would collapse. I want a living wage for all Americans; I want unions to be solid and strong; I want working conditions that are safe. I want oversight and for executives to be held accountable.
Human Rights
All humans are born with the fundamental right to peace, safety, dignity, and prosperity. We need to strengthen laws that protect those rights. Children won't go to bed hungry; our LGBTQ+ brothers and sisters won't live in fear. We are the same, we are all humans, and we need to care about each other.[3]
Note: The finance data shown here comes from the disclosures required of candidates and parties. Depending on the election or state, this may represent only a portion of all the funds spent on their behalf. Satellite spending groups may or may not have expended funds related to the candidate or politician on whose page you are reading this disclaimer. Campaign finance data from elections may be incomplete. For elections to federal offices, complete data can be found at the FEC website. Click here for more on federal campaign finance law and here for more on state campaign finance law.
Steven Holden campaign contribution history
Year
Office
Status
Contributions
Expenditures
2026*
U.S. House New York District 21
Withdrew general
$8,594
$12,142
2026*
U.S. House New York District 24
Candidacy Declared general
$8,594
$12,142
2024*
U.S. House New York District 21
Withdrew primary
$93,534
$91,828
2022
U.S. House New York District 24
Lost general
$157,569
$106,424
Grand total
$268,290
$222,536
Sources: OpenSecrets, Federal Elections Commission ***This product uses the openFEC API but is not endorsed or certified by the Federal Election Commission (FEC).
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