He earned his PhD from the University of Minnesota. He has been at UNI since 2008, after previously teaching at the University of Minnesota and Gustavus Adolphus College. Holmes' research and teaching focuses on Public Opinion, Voting Behavior, Political Communication, and Political Psychology. Recent projects include studies of the psychology of the impact of negative information on presidential approval, a study of how citizens form opinions about intervening in foreign conflicts, an examination of how campaigns and interest group use new media to mobilize supporters, and a study of the role of emotion in citizens' political participation. During election season, Holmes' is a frequent interviewee on both local and national media.