Denise Joy is a Democratic member of the Montana House of Representatives, representing District 46 since 2025. Born in Billings, Montana, during a tumultuous year marked by national events like the presidential campaigns of Barry Goldwater and Nelson Rockefeller against Lyndon B. Johnson following John F. Kennedy's assassination, she grew up in Hardin as the middle child and only daughter of a police officer and homemaker. Her paternal grandparents lived in Billings, where she spent time enjoying the city's opportunities, including shopping downtown and connections to her grandparents' church community on 2nd St West and Alderson Avenue. Joy values lessons in tolerance, respect, and hard work from her multicultural upbringing and Eastern Montana neighbors.

Notable achievements include serving on the Billings City Council for Ward 3 since January 2018, where her experiences shaped her views on government and the city. She has been described as Billings' Democratic Socialist city council member. Additionally, she is Vice Chair of the High Plains Women’s Museum and volunteers at the Amend Community Garden, North Plains Women’s Museum, and Special Olympics.

Education and Political Experience

• Education: Graduated from Hardin High School; earned a BA in Political Science from Cleveland State University, where she was involved in political organizations, served on the board of the International Students Association, and engaged with international politics and cultures; attended Mississippi State University Graduate School of Public Policy and Administration for two years , including an internship in Governor Ray Mabus's office on a project surveying city departments for professional administration.
• Political Experience: Elected to Montana House District 46 in 2025; previously served on Billings City Council, Ward 3, since 2018.