Chris James for AZ

About Chris James

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Meet Chris James: Grounded Leadership for a Stronger Arizona

Chris James is a nationally recognized economic strategist, small business advocate, and dedicated public servant – but before any of that, he was a kid growing up in rural America. In his close-knit community, where every dollar mattered, Chris learned the power of perseverance, faith, and service. His parents embodied entrepreneurial spirit—running a small business while his father farmed the land and taught choir—his grandmother curated handcrafted goods in her craft shop on the Qualla Boundary, ancestral home of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, and his grandfather served with compassion as a Methodist minister. From them, Chris inherited a deep respect for hard work and a relentless commitment to family, heritage, and community – values that continue to define every chapter of his life.

 

Today, Chris lives in Gilbert, Arizona, where he and his wife, Piret, have raised their three children – all proud graduates of Gilbert Public Schools and now enrolled in college, including one at Arizona State. He’s running for Congress in Arizona’s 5th District because he believes our country needs more leaders who listen, lead with integrity, and focus on solutions—not soundbites. In a time when families are being divided by politics, Chris believes we deserve leaders who unite rather than inflame, and who are more interested in fixing problems than scoring cheap soundbite points.

Chris began his public service career as a senior executive at the U.S. Department of the Treasury under President Obama—his first role in government—where he managed more than $350 million in investments to expand access to capital, support community lenders, and revitalize underserved communities. That experience laid the foundation for a career defined by impact, innovation, and inclusion.

 

He went on to lead national field operations for the U.S. Small Business Administration. There, Chris oversaw a $300 million budget and half the agency’s workforce, launching nationally recognized programs like Startup in a Day, SupplierPay, and the American Supplier Initiative—initiatives that cut red tape, accelerated payments to small vendors, and opened doors for women- and minority-owned businesses. He also founded the Small Business Technology Coalition to help entrepreneurs compete in a digital economy.

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A Bridge Builder Delivering Federal Impact Beyond Politics

Chris has always focused on bringing federal resources to the communities that need them most. He forged groundbreaking partnerships between federal agencies and local governments across all 50 states and U.S. territories—because he understood that most of the time the best solutions to local problems don’t originate in Washington. Through it all, he’s built a reputation as someone who brings people together, gets things done, and delivers results where others get stuck in politics.

 

His expertise and steady leadership have earned him appointments across three presidential administrations—Obama, Trump, and Biden—a rare distinction that speaks to the bipartisan respect he’s earned. Under President Trump, Chris was appointed to the FCC’s Advisory Committee on Diversity and Digital Empowerment, where he helped expand broadband access and digital inclusion in marginalized communities. Under President Biden, he served on the Biden-Harris Transition Team, co-chaired Native economic policy strategy, and was appointed to the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative, where he continues to serve—elevating the voices of Native and underserved communities in national and global trade discussions.

Chris currently serves as President and CEO of National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development based in Arizona, dedicated to advancing Native American and small business growth. Under his leadership, the organization has grown by over 650%, now serving more than 4,000 businesses annually and partnering with global companies like Microsoft, Amazon, and Google. It has also expanded its presence into key international markets—specifically New Zealand, Australia, and Canada. His work has helped create jobs, open new markets, and bring investment to communities often overlooked by the political establishment. In this role, Chris has testified on economic development policy before Congress, drafted bipartisan legislation that was ultimately signed into law, and worked closely with both Republicans and Democrats to advance solutions that empower small businesses and work to ensure our economy works for everyone.

 

Now, Chris is running for Congress in Arizona’s 5th District to bring that same practical, grounded, and unifying leadership to Washington. He’s not interested in fueling division—he’s focused on fixing what’s broken, fighting for everyday Arizonans, and building a government that actually works for the people. Chris believes elected officials should answer to the communities they represent, and he’s committed to holding himself accountable to the citizens of Arizona’s 5th District every step of the way. In a democracy, leadership isn’t about winning arguments—it’s about delivering results. And that’s exactly what Chris James is ready to do.

CHRIS JAMES

PRIORITIES

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Educating for the Future

Investing in schools, students, and skills for the next generation.

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Smart Infrastructure

Investing in smart, cost‑effective infrastructure—modern roads, bridges, and water systems built to withstand our changing climate, create local jobs, and deliver reliable services without overburdening taxpayers.

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Jobs & Economic Growth & Community Resilience

Building a resilient economy that works for every community—from small businesses and startups to tribal nations, manufacturing hubs, retirees, and our frontline first responders.

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Healthcare & Protecting Our Seniors

No Arizonan should have to choose between their health and their financial security.

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Protecting Our Democracy

Chris James believes democracy should work for the people – not special interests, partisan extremists, or election deniers. He knows that trust in our system is earned through transparency, fairness, and consistent access to the ballot box.

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The Bottom Line: It’s About Bringing People Together to Solve Problems

Chris has built his career on forging practical, bipartisan solutions—and he knows firsthand the struggles of Arizona’s middle class, balancing family budgets, saving for college, and planning for retirement.

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