Steve and his wife Nicole hail from Aberdeen. He is a graduate of Roncalli High School and received his undergraduate degree from the University of South Dakota. He later earned his Master's degree in Business Administration from the University of Sioux Falls. Steve has held positions with the South Dakota Republican Party and Wells Fargo. He also served as a Constituent Services Representative in U.S. Senator John Thune's Aberdeen district office from 2005-2010.

In his first attempt seeking public office, the citizens of South Dakota elected Steve to the office of State Auditor on November 2, 2010. In November 2014, he was re-elected to his second term. He is the 27th State Auditor to serve the State of South Dakota.

Steve is the grandson of the late Joe Barnett, Sr. who served as Speaker of the House and Republican Majority Leader in the South Dakota House of Representatives during his 19 years in public office.

Steve and Nicole have four children; Emma, Henry, William, and Lillian. In his free time, Steve enjoys spending time with his family, pheasant and waterfowl hunting, and participating in triathlons.