James Brown
for
Montana State Auditor
Follow the constitution.
Serve as your government watchdog.
Commit to protecting consumers.
PROTECT THE MONTANA WAY OF LIFE
“As a fourth-generation Montanan and a private practice attorney for the last 18 years, I’ve proudly fought to protect Montana’s farmers, ranchers, and small businesses. You can count on me to reduce red tape for Montana businesses, enforce the law, protect consumers, and safeguard Montana seniors from financial abuse.
As your state auditor, I will vigilantly serve as your government watchdog, prosecute bad actors, and defend our Montana way of life.”
–James Brown, Candidate for Montana State Auditor
Qualifications
James Brown is a 4th generation Montanan who grew up in Dillon. He has been a private practice attorney for over 17 years representing Montana’s farmers, ranchers, and small business owners. Brown graduated with a double major in History and Political Science from the University of Montana – Missoula. Brown earned his law degree from the Seattle University School of Law and his Masters in Tax Law from the University of Washington. Brown clerked for then Chief Justice of the Washington State Supreme Court. Brown has practiced before the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals, the Federal District Court of Montana, the Montana Supreme Court and in various state district courts around Montana – ranging from Lincoln County to Daniels County. Brown serves as the President of the Montana Public Service Commission (PSC), managing 33 state employees and a nearly $5 million budget.
Putting Montana First
In 2022, when asked by a wide range of Montanans, I stepped up to run for the Montana Supreme Court. Despite filing on the last possible day, I ran one of the most successful campaigns challenging an incumbent justice in Montana history, garnering over 200,000 votes and winning 41 of Montana’s 56 counties.
Now, here in 2024, Montanans from all across the state and from diverse backgrounds have asked me to step up for a different but equally important elected position—that of Montana State Auditor.
Having successfully served the last several years as President of the Montana Public Service Commission, a regulatory decision-making and consumer protection role similar to that of the Auditor, I am uniquely suited to serve successfully in this office.
Given my proven and lengthy public service track record of advancing consumer education, promoting competition in the marketplace, and putting Montanans’ interests ahead of out-of-state corporations, I will continue to protect the Montana way of life as Montana’s next Auditor.
I am a fourth-generation Montanan whose family homesteaded in Beaverhead County in the 1880s. I have been a private practice attorney for the last 20 years, representing and defending the legal interests of Montana’s farmers, ranchers, small businesses, and working families.
As Montana’s Auditor and a land board member, I will work collaboratively with all parties to protect the multiple uses of Montana’s public lands, enhance funding for public education, and promote stewardship of state trust properties.
As I have strived to do every day of my legal career, should I be elected to serve, I will protect and defend the freedoms, liberties, and livelihoods of every Montanan. If elected, I will bring to the job my experience of operating a small business and managing a state agency with a roughly $5 million budget and 33 employees.
Though I hold a Montana insurance producer’s license, unlike some previous candidates for this important office, I am not an insurance industry insider. I have spent my entire career defending the interests of consumers and investors and will continue to do so in this key position. I have zero tolerance for those who violate the law or attempt to financially abuse seniors and other vulnerable groups. As someone who runs a small business, I will also work to create a regulatory environment that is fair to entities willing to provide much-needed insurance coverage to Montana citizens.
As your Auditor, I will hold Montana insurers accountable for refusing to write property insurance in certain areas of Montana due to perceived wildfire risk. Further, I will fight to ensure those with pre-existing conditions receive the care they need and ensure the zealous prosecution of white-collar criminals.
Most importantly, I love Montana. That’s why, as your next Auditor, I will always put Montana first.
–James Brown
Endorsed by the Montana Stockgrowers Association