Steve Holland reflects on years of legislative service and life after politics

TUPELO, Miss. (WCBI) – A well-known figure in Mississippi politics will not be in Jackson when the state House convenes Tuesday.

Steve Holland lost in November to challenger Rickey Thompson. That defeat ended a decades-long career in state politics that was marked by passionate speeches from the House floor, and a tireless crusade for issues such as public health.

It is one day before lawmakers convene in Jackson, and Steve Holland is at Holland Funeral Directors, taking care of business.

“It’s different, I told somebody this morning, my car probably would automatically crank and head down the Trace but I said, by golly, I’m not going to be in it, it will just go by itself,” described Holland.

Holland represented District 16 as a democrat and became known for his colorful language, and also as an advocate for the poor and disadvantaged.

Through the years, Holland also became known as a lawmaker who could get things done.

“I didn’t take no for an answer, is a better way of saying that, I knew how to get things done, but when some agency told me no, I said, you have two hours to call me back and tell me yes or give me one dang good reason why you’re telling me no, because I wrote the law and I know what it says and I know what’s available,” said Holland.

When Steve Holland was first elected in 1984, Democrats controlled state government. In 2020, Republicans have a super majority and the longtime lawmaker said that has changed the way legislation is introduced and approved.

“On any given issues when I chaired committees we would have two weeks of hearings and we would let janitors, journalists testify, anybody that had input, because we wanted it to be right. We don’t do that anymore. You already know what the agenda is going to be, you’re told how to vote on your computer,” explained Holland.

On his office wall, Holland has many plaques, commendations and awards, but one is extra special, a champion of Democracy Award from Common Cause.

“Doctor Oleta Fitzgerald,who runs ‘Save the Children’ in Mississippi presented the award and before she presented that award, made me an honorary member of the Southern Black Women’s Initiative. I am the only male and the only white male that’s an honorary member and I’m really proud of that,” said Holland.

Holland hoped lawmakers on both sides of the political aisle will work together for residents across the state.

Holland initially ran as a Republican for District 16 in 1980 but narrowly lost that election. He ran as a Democrat until the most recent election, when he ran as an independent.