Roundup Record Tribune & Winnett Times -

DILLON, Montana – James Brown released the following statement announcing his candidacy for Montana State Auditor.

"In 2022, when asked to do so by a wide range of Montanans, I stepped up to run for the Montana Supreme Court. Despite filing on the last possible day, I still 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, Montanans from all across the state and from a wide diversity of 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 role played by 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 19 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 multiple use 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 in managing a state agency with a roughly $5 million budget and 33 employees."

"Though I hold a Montana's 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 seeking to defend the interests of consumers and investors and will continue to do so in this key position. I have zero-tolerance regarding those who violate the law or attempt to financially abuse seniors and other vulnerable groups. And, as someone who runs a small business, I will also work to create a regulatory environment that is fair to those entities that are willing to provide much needed insurance coverage to Montana citizens."

As Auditor, I will hold Montana insurers accountable for refusing to write property insurance in certain areas of Montana due to perceived wildlife risk. Further, I will fight to ensure those with pre-existing conditions will receive the care they need, and ensure the zealous prosecution of white-collar criminals."