About Holly
About Holly Thompson Rehder
Born in Memphis, Tennessee, Author and Senator, Holly Thompson Rehder, spent her formative years in Dallas, Texas, before moving to southeast Missouri, where her parents and extended family has lived for more than five generations before her. Coming from very humble beginnings, Holly has focused her legislative efforts to stand for the very things that changed her path: hard work, personal responsibility, and a strong faith in God.
Holly started working in the cable television industry at about the age of 19. Beginning in the mailroom of a local cable company, she worked her way up through several departments. After 14 years, she left as one of the top Directors in the company to work for the Missouri Cable Association on policy effecting the cable industry. During this time, she also co-founded a cable contracting company, starting it from the ground up. Working for the Association, Holly saw the legislative process first-hand and how intricately it affects people’s lives and the health of private business. It was at this time that she, and her family, decided she should run for office.
Growing up on welfare, Holly believes that the current system too often hinders people’s ability to rise to their potential. She relishes the opportunity to speak to at-risk kids about growing up in and around drug addiction and domestic violence, becoming a mother at 16, and making the choice to raise her family different. God honors hard work, obedience, and dedication–regardless of where you’ve come from. No dream is too big.
Senator Rehder also brings a unique perspective to the current opioid crises and has become a sought-after speaker on the topic. A Republican who speaks candidly from personal experience as someone who lived it as a child, got out as a teen, only to see her daughter caught in it, is a bit of an anomaly.
Senator Thompson Rehder is a graduate of Southeast Missouri State University and has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Mass Communications with her emphasis in Public Relations. She also graduated with a double minor––Political Science and Communications for Legal Professionals (Debate). She has three children, Raychel Jarrett, Johnny Griswell Jr., and Christian Rehder, and three spirited and beautiful grandchildren, Kayden Talley, Karlei Jarrett, and Liam Griswell.