James Buffinton (born March 16, 1817) was a United States Representative from Massachusetts who served in the mid-19th century. A member of the Republican Party, he represented Massachusetts’s 1st Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives. His service in Congress began on December 3, 1855, and continued until March 3, 1877, marking him as a long-tenured legislator during a period of profound national change.

Buffinton held the role of Representative for eight terms, reflecting sustained support from his constituents in Massachusetts. Throughout this time he served as a historical member of Congress, aligned with the Republican Party during and after its formative years. His congressional career concluded in 1877, and he is remembered primarily for his extended service in the House as a representative of Massachusetts’s 1st District.