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Derrick Holder seeks 4th Congressional District
The following is part of a series of biographies of candidates for the upcoming election. The biographies were submitted by candidates. Editing by the Banner Graphic news staff is minimal for only style and clarity purposes.
Hello, I’m Derrick Holder, and I’m running to represent Indiana’s 4th Congressional District.
Born and raised in Indianapolis, my journey is one of resilience, service and dedication to our community. My upbringing in a financially unstable household taught me the importance of perseverance and empathy, values that have guided me through life’s challenges and triumphs.
After high school, I joined the Marine Corps, seeking to serve and make a difference. This experience taught me discipline, teamwork and the significance of a collective effort towards a common goal.
Unfortunately, my service was cut short due to an injury, leading to my retirement. This setback, however, opened a new chapter in my life, propelling me toward further education and personal growth. With the support of the GI Bill, I attended Indiana University, graduating with dual degrees in U.S. history and religious studies. My academic journey was a period of immense learning, not just academically but also in understanding my role in contributing to a better society.
Becoming a father to three wonderful children has been my most rewarding role. It taught me about unconditional love, patience and the responsibility of nurturing future generations. This responsibility motivated me to become a teacher, where I sought to positively impact young lives and contribute to our education system.
Currently, as a paralegal, I’ve gained valuable insights into the legal system, reinforcing my commitment to justice, fairness and the protection of rights. This profession has prepared me to tackle the complexities of legislation and governance with a balanced and informed approach.
Seven years ago, my family and I moved to Martinsville, attracted by its strong sense of community and the ideal environment it offered for raising a family. Martinsville has shown me the strength of community bonds and the impact of collective action in creating positive change.
My campaign for Congress is driven by a desire to serve on a larger scale — to advocate for education reform, ensuring high-quality education for all; to support our agricultural community, safeguarding our farmers’ livelihoods and promoting sustainable practices; to stand up for women’s reproductive health, protecting the right to choose; to champion LGBTQIA+ rights, ensuring equality and protection for all; and to advocate for veterans’ affairs, ensuring those who served receive the care and opportunities they deserve.
I bring to this campaign a blend of personal experiences of overcoming adversity, lessons learned in service to our country, academic achievement, and a deep commitment to public service. My goal is to represent the diverse voices of Indiana’s 4th Congressional District, working together to tackle our shared challenges.
I am Derrick Holder, and I humbly ask for your support to represent you in Congress. Together, we can work towards a brighter, more inclusive future for Indiana.