Valynda Holland

Valynda Holland earned a high school diploma from the Bridger Charter Academy and a bachelor's degree from Southern New Hampshire University in 2026. Her career experience includes working as an advocate.[1]

Montana State Senate District 11

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

My name is Valynda Holland, and I am a candidate for the Montana State Senate representing District 11 in Great Falls. I am currently pursuing my bachelor's degree in political science at Southern New Hampshire University while actively working in healthcare administration and medical billing. My experience includes insurance verification, credentialing, and working with electronic health record systems, which has given me firsthand insight into the challenges people face in accessing affordable healthcare.

I have also worked in property management and customer service, where I saw how rising housing costs are impacting working families in our community. I am actively involved in my community and volunteer to support individuals experiencing homelessness during cold weather services.

I am running for office because I believe our community deserves leadership that listens, and I am committed to advocating for practical solutions that improve everyday life for Montanans.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

Affordable housing and cost of living must be addressed.

Families in Great Falls and across Montana are being priced out of their communities by rising rents and limited housing availability. I support policies that stabilize housing costs, including exploring rent caps and stronger protections for renters. I also believe we must address the growing influence of large property management companies, private equity firms, and hedge funds in the housing market. Housing should be accessible to the people who live and work in our communities, and I support efforts to keep homeownership and rental opportunities in the hands of Montanans.Healthcare should be accessible and affordable for everyone.

Through my work in medical billing and healthcare administration, I have seen how costly and complex our system has become. I support exploring a single-payer healthcare system in Montana to ensure that all residents have access to coverage. For those who choose to keep private insurance, I support implementing caps on premiums and deductibles to prevent excessive costs. I also support lowering healthcare prices by increasing transparency and accountability in hospital and clinic billing practices.

Access to care must also be expanded, especially in rural communities where services are limited. No one should have to travel long distances or delay care due to cost.Montanans deserve a criminal justice system that works for taxpayers, families, and public safety. Our current system costs millions while failing to provide the rehabilitation and fair treatment that strengthen communities. Montana spends heavily on private prison contracts and sends inmates out of state, separating them from support systems. Audits have shown gaps in education, job training, and reentry programs. I support prioritizing treatment, rehabilitation, and in-state accountability so that taxpayer dollars reduce recidivism and build safer communities.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

I am passionate about affordable housing, healthcare reform, criminal justice reform, education, and protecting Montana’s environment and public lands. I believe housing should be accessible to working families, and I support policies that address rising costs and limit corporate influence in the housing market. I am committed to improving healthcare access and affordability, strengthening our education system, and reforming our criminal justice system to focus on rehabilitation and fairness. I also believe in protecting our public lands and natural resources so they remain accessible and preserved for future generations of Montanans.

Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?

I look up to individuals who demonstrate resilience and perseverance in the face of adversity. My own experiences have shaped my perspective and strengthened my commitment to advocate for others. I strive to lead with that same determination and understanding.

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

Honesty, transparency, and accountability are essential for any elected official. Leaders must be willing to listen to their constituents and represent their needs, not outside interests. Elected officials should be committed to serving the people who elected them and making decisions based on what is best for their communities.

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

The core responsibility is to serve the people of Montana. This includes ensuring that policies and laws improve the lives of residents, protect their rights, and address the challenges they face. Every decision should be made with the goal of helping, not harming, Montanans.

What legacy would you like to leave?

I would like to leave a legacy of creating a more equitable and compassionate society, where people are treated fairly and have access to the resources they need to succeed. My goal is to help build a stronger future for all Montanans.

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

My first job was working as a dishwasher at Scharf’s in Deer Lodge when I was 14 years old. I worked there for about a year, gaining early experience in responsibility and hard work.

What is something that has been a struggle in your life?

I have faced significant personal challenges, including experiences with domestic violence and navigating a system that did not always provide the protection or accountability it should. These experiences shaped my understanding of the importance of justice, fairness, and advocacy. They are a driving force behind my commitment to improving systems so others receive the support and protection they deserve.

What do you believe is the ideal relationship between the governor and state legislature?

The governor and state legislature should work collaboratively to serve the people of Montana. This relationship should be built on communication, mutual respect, and a shared commitment to making decisions that benefit the public rather than special interests.

What do you perceive to be your state's greatest challenges over the next decade?

Montana’s greatest challenges include affordability, fair wages, and the rising cost of living. It is critical to ensure that Montana remains accessible to the people who live and work here. We must also address the influence of large financial interests in politics and ensure that leadership remains focused on serving the public.

Do you believe that compromise is necessary or desirable for policymaking?

Compromise can be an important part of policymaking, but it depends on the issue at hand. It is essential to carefully evaluate each situation to ensure that any compromise still protects the well-being and interests of the people being represented.

What was the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember?

One of the first major historical events I remember is September 11, 2001. I was in fifth grade and watched it unfold live in my classroom. I remember seeing the second plane hit and not fully understanding that it was real at the time. It was a moment that left a lasting impact on me and shaped my awareness of how events can affect the entire country.

Montana House of Representatives District 20

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