James Brown ran for the Montana Supreme Court in 2022, but did not win.

James is a private practice attorney with over 17 years of experience representing Montana's farmers, ranchers, and small business owners. He has practiced before the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals, the Federal District Court of Montana, the Montana Supreme Court, and various state district courts across Montana. Brown serves as the President of the Montana Public Service Commission, managing state employees and a budget. Previously, he worked in Washington D.C. as a Congressional Aide and clerked for the Chief Justice of the Washington State Supreme Court.

James is a fourth-generation Montanan who grew up in Dillon. He graduated with a double major in history and political science from the University of Montana – Missoula, and went on to earn his law degree from the Seattle University School of Law, followed by a master's degree in tax law from the University of Washington.