Jesse James - Wisconsin State Senator

Jesse James is a Republican politician from Eau Claire County, Wisconsin, serving as a member of the Wisconsin State Senate representing the 23rd Senate District since January 2023. He is a lifelong resident of the Eau Claire area and lives in Thorp with his wife Vicki, with whom he runs a small business. They have four children and two grandchildren.

Notably, Jesse remains the only active law enforcement officer serving in the Wisconsin Legislature, continuing to work as a police officer in the village of Cadott while holding his Senate position.

Education and Early Career

Jesse James served in the U.S. Army for six years before attending Chippewa Valley Technical College, where he studied police science. He worked as a full-time police officer before being appointed as Police and Fire Chief of Altoona in 2013.

Political Experience

Jesse's political career began in 2019 when he was elected to the Wisconsin State Assembly representing the 68th District, where he served two terms. During his time in the Assembly, he was appointed Chair of the Substance Abuse and Prevention Committee and served as Republican Caucus Secretary. He was also appointed to the State Council on Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse .

In January 2023, he was inaugurated as 23rd District Senator. He currently serves as Chair of the Senate Committee on Mental Health, Substance Abuse Prevention, Children and Families and holds membership on the Committee on Health, Committee on Judiciary and Public Safety , Committee on Utilities and Tourism, and the Council on Military and State Relations. He was reappointed to SCAODA in his current role.

His legislative work has focused on protecting children, combating the opioid epidemic, and supporting law enforcement.