Steve Held embodies the spirit of Montana—rugged, resilient, and ready to lead.
With deep roots in our communities and a steadfast commitment to our shared values, Steve stands out as a champion for all Montanans. His career has been defined by a dedication to public service, a passion for justice, and an unwavering belief in the power of collaboration to solve our most pressing challenges. From advocating for sustainable development that respects our natural heritage, to fighting for jobs that pay a living wage as a former union member and healthcare that serves everyone, Steve’s vision is of a Montana that thrives through innovation and inclusivity. He promises to be a leader who listens, learns, and leads with integrity, ensuring that every voice is heard and every community is uplifted.
Held is a fourth-generation Montana rancher and businessman. He still calls the Powder River Basin his home after growing up in Broadus, Montana. Steve was put to work at a young age helping run the family hotels and doing ranch kid duties before attending American Conservatory Theater and studying at Rocky Mountain College in Billings.
As the father of twins, his daughter, Rikki, is currently serving in The Peace Corps in Kenya and was one of the youth plaintiffs demanding our government follow the Constitution and restore Montanans constitutional right to a clean and healthful environment in Held v. Montana. His son, Jaeger, is a military historian currently working for the Department of Interior. Steve’s late mother, Jean Hough, was Woman of the Year for the Montana United Church of Christ and his late father, Cap Hough, was the mayor of Broadus. In his first rodeo at age 3, the best times of Steve’s youth were hunting with his dad and working livestock.
Before returning to Broadus in 2005, Steve served on the National Board of Directors for the Screen Actors Guild Union in Hollywood where he was among the 12% of actors who actually made a living. He is also a licensed pilot and certified scuba diver, with a CDL and parachute jumps. Held is president of Wavin, Inc., serving as the owner and operator of the Buckskin Inn, Quarter Horse Motor Inn and C-J Motel in Broadus and Twin Hearts Smiling Horses, Inc ranch.
He traveled to every state before age 23 and knows Montana will always be his home. Held recognizes and celebrates the diversity of Montana by being a strong advocate and partner to our state’s tribal nations and Native American communities. At 63, he had never registered with a political party until, frustrated with American politics, he filed to run as a Democrat.