William Stephens began his career as a school teacher before transitioning to the railroad industry, where he gained extensive experience surveying railroads across multiple states. He later relocated to Los Angeles, where he diversified his professional portfolio by working as a traveling salesman and grocery manager. Stephens' leadership was evident when he served on the board of directors for the Los Angeles Chamber of Commerce and the Los Angeles Board of Education. His public service continued with a brief tenure as mayor of Los Angeles, followed by a position as vice president of the American National Bank. Stephens' political career advanced when he was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives and later became lieutenant governor of California. He assumed the governorship in 1917, during which he navigated significant events, including the Preparedness Day Bombing and a personal attack on his life. Post-governorship, Stephens transitioned to a law career, maintaining his involvement in public affairs until his death.

William Stephens exhibits a complex ideological stance that balances traditional conservatism with unexpected policy concessions. His commutation of Thomas Mooney's death sentence, despite initial support for the conviction, reveals a willingness to reconsider punitive measures under international scrutiny. Stephens's support for prohibition and stringent anti-radical labor laws aligns with conservative values, yet his advocacy for veterans' benefits and retraining programs shows a surprising commitment to social welfare. His vehement opposition to Japanese immigration, however, presents a stark contrast, revealing a deeply rooted xenophobia. Stephens's political identity is marked by these conceptual tensions, leaving one curious about how he reconciles these seemingly disparate positions.