Jesse L. James (born April 16, 1972) is a lifelong resident of the Eau Claire area. He served in the U.S. Army for six years before attending Chippewa Valley Technical College, where he studied police science. Jesse worked as a full-time police officer before being appointed as Police and Fire Chief of Altoona in 2013.

In January 2023, Jesse was inaugurated as the 23rd District Senator and appointed to be Chair of the Senate Mental Health, Substance Abuse Prevention, and Children and Families Committee. He was also appointed to the Wisconsin State Council on Alcohol and other Drug Abuse (SCAODA) and serves on the Council on Military and State Relations.