james REAVIS

I have lived in Montana for most of my life and I am proud to call Billings home. I was born and raised in the hard-working and union-supporting city of Butte, America. My mother operates a 200-head cattle ranch outside of Boulder, and my father is an architect specializing in preserving our historic buildings.

After obtaining a law degree from the University of Montana, earning a Master’s in Public Administration, and passing the bar, I went to work as a public defender. I served as a public defender for eleven years. Each day I worked to ensure the liberties and freedoms we enjoy under the Constitution are protected. I recently entered private practice to work in family law, criminal defense, and to help people obtain their earned social security benefits.

Fourteen years ago I weighed over 400 pounds. I exercised, dieted, and lost weight for a while, but the weight crept back up. Three years ago I had bariatric surgery, finally giving me the tools I needed to keep the weight off. I’m down over 100 pounds and feeling great, but my bank account is telling another story. You see, despite having a job with supposedly “great benefits,” my health insurance refused to cover this life-changing surgery, forcing me to pay out-of-pocket. We deserve better from our healthcare.

With my experience in public service and my knowledge of the criminal justice system, I began testifying before the Legislature in support of common-sense reforms. I also helped legislators write the legal language to bring their policies into law. Last session, I drafted and helped pass legislation that protected children from sexual assault and removed red tape in state government. With five sessions of state legislature involvement under my belt, I am ready to represent you from day one.

I am running to be your next state representative because I have the experience, legal background, and energy to do a good job representing everyday Montanans, and I want to improve your standard of living in the Treasure State. I will be a hard-working, independent voice who will follow the facts and I will listen to you.

If you live in Billings and you own a dog, then you probably know my girlfriend, Amanda. She’s been grooming, cleaning, and cutting dog hair for years. I am so very lucky to have her in my life.