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. 

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

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PSC President James Brown announces campaign for state auditor

Aims to ensure access to affordable and reliable health insurance.

Wants to ensure that Montanans living in areas subject to high wildfire risk can obtain insurance.

- Aims to ensure access to affordable and reliable health insurance.
- Wants to ensure that Montanans living in areas subject to high wildfire risk can obtain insurance.

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Aims to promote quality consumer education and fraud prevention programs for Montana's seniors.

- Aims to promote quality consumer education and fraud prevention programs for Montana's seniors.

Consumer Protection

As of June 16, 2025, James Brown’s website did not contain information on this issue.

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Ballotpedia, John Jay Willoughby

John graduated from the North Dakota Law Enforcement Academy and attended North Dakota State University. He was born in New Rockford, North Dakota. 

WILLOUGHBY INSURANCE SERVICES LLC

John is an owner and agent at Willoughby Insurance Services. He previously worked as a law enforcement officer in North Dakota for 20 years. 

This is John Jay Willoughby's first entry into politics. 

Said "I'll work hard to control all the rate increases we are seeing in every single aspect of the insurance industry... My office will force justification of any and all rate increases under my watch."

Believes bringing new insurance providers to Montana will increase competition and lower the costs of insurance and prescriptions.

- Said "I'll work hard to control all the rate increases we are seeing in every single aspect of the insurance industry... My office will force justification of any and all rate increases under my watch."
- Believes bringing new insurance providers to Montana will increase competition and lower the costs of insurance and prescriptions.

Said "My office will aggressively investigate, pursue, and prosecute those bad actors to the fullest extent of the Law... It's our job to keep consumers aware of current scams and trends that are being used to defraud them."

Considers consumer protection and awareness as the most important responsibility of this office.

- Said "My office will aggressively investigate, pursue, and prosecute those bad actors to the fullest extent of the Law... It's our job to keep consumers aware of current scams and trends that are being used to defraud them."
- Considers consumer protection and awareness as the most important responsibility of this office.

As of June 16, 2025, John Jay Willoughby did not have a website or any information online.

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John Jay Willoughby

- The State Auditor of Montana is also known as the Commissioner of Securities and Insurance. This office does not function like typical state auditors who oversee public accounts; instead, it focuses on regulating the insurance and securities sectors within Montana.
- The State Auditor ensures that insurance companies, securities issuers, and related financial entities comply with state laws. This role is vital in protecting consumers and supporting the financial stability of the state.
- The State Auditor's responsibilities include licensing, auditing, and regulating all entities involved in Montana's insurance and securities industries. This oversight helps maintain a fair and lawful market environment.
- The office also plays a role in consumer protection by addressing complaints against insurance and securities entities, thus ensuring that Montanans receive fair treatment in these sectors.
- The State Auditor serves a four-year long term.

Montana State Auditor, Republican Primary

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