[1] A 1995 graduate of the University of New Brunswick in Saint John, he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science and history.

A member of the Progressive Conservative Party, Holder first ran for the legislature in the 1995 provincial election losing in Saint John Portland with 33.3% to 38.6% for the victorious Liberal candidate Leo McAdam.

[6] On March 1, 2012, Holder became Minister of Culture, Tourism and Healthy Living when Alward restructured and combined several departments.

On June 23, 2023, following the revision of Policy 713, Holder resigned from premier Blaine Higgs's cabinet as the former Minister of Post-Secondary Education, Training and Labour.

[9] Through a letter statement, he expressed the need for “some significant soul searching after a 24-year legislative career.” Reflecting on his cabinet service under three premiers,[10] Holder mentioned his historical commitment to fighting for "constituents within a party and caucus structure."