Kathleen James is a Democrat representing Bennington-4 in the Vermont House of Representatives. First elected in November 2018, she has held leadership roles including Assistant Majority Leader and current Chair of the House Committee on Energy and Digital Infrastructure. Notable achievements include serving as clerk of the Education Committee early in her tenure, appointment to the New England Board of Higher Education , and leading efforts to form the Southern Vermont Communications Union District for rural broadband expansion, named one of 12 Vital Projects for the regional economy. She is a founding member of the Tourism and Social Equity Caucuses, leadership team of the Vermont Legislative Climate Solutions Caucus, and received the Vermont Conservation Voters Rising Star Award . James also sponsored Act 67 piloting community schools and contributed to legislation removing lead from school drinking water.

Education and Political Experience

Education: Born in Chicago and raised in Nebraska, James earned a bachelor’s degree in political science and a master’s degree in journalism from Northwestern University.

Political Experience: Elected to represent Bennington-4 since 2018, she initially served on the House Education Committee , then General and Housing . Current roles include Chair of Energy and Digital Infrastructure, Joint Information Technology Oversight Committee, Clean Energy Development Board, and Vermont Web Portal Board. Prior journalism career: Capitol Hill reporter for Roll Call, reporter-researcher for TIME, senior editor for Snow Country; nonprofit work with International Skiing History Association , BOMA Project, Kenya Drylands Education Fund, and Vermont Community Loan Fund . Awards include Council of State Governments programs and State Legislative Leaders Foundation recognition.