James most recently served on Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s legislative affairs team, joins Sen. Anthony’s Senate staff after serving as her legislative director in House
LANSING, Mich. (Nov. 16, 2023) – Today, Senate Appropriations Chairwoman Sarah Anthony (D-Lansing) announced that Kristi James will be rejoining her office as chief of staff beginning on Nov. 27. James previously worked for six years in the House of Representatives in several member offices, including serving as then-Rep. Anthony’s legislative director from November 2018-March 2022. Most recently, James has been a part of Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s legislative affairs team.
“I am thrilled to welcome Kristi as my new chief of staff,” said Sen. Anthony. “As my former legislative director in the Michigan House of Representatives and with her experience in Gov. Whitmer’s administration, Kristi brings a wealth of knowledge and the skillset necessary to hit the ground running as we look toward next year’s legislative session. I look forward to working with her to continue to deliver results for the 21st District, as well as for the entire state of Michigan.”
“I am excited to serve my home community in my new capacity as Sen. Anthony’s Chief of Staff. I am proud of what we were able to accomplish since we first began working together—from implementing Michigan Reconnect to banning child marriage in Michigan,” said James. “Chair Anthony’s leadership in passing a budget that reflects the will of the people has been truly inspirational. I look forward to working with the Senator and her team to advance democratic priorities that make a difference for the people of this state I love so much.”
James has worked in the Whitmer Administration since early 2022 as Deputy Director of Legislative Affairs and serving in the roles of both House and Senate liaison respectively. In this capacity, James represented the governor in direct lobbying efforts with the Michigan Legislature to advance the priorities of the Whitmer Administration.
Prior to her time in the governor’s office, James worked in the Michigan House of Representatives for over six years. During her time as Legislative Director for Representative Sarah Anthony, she worked on a wide variety of legislative packages and helped secure key appropriations for Mid-Michigan. She has participated in the National Council of State Legislatures Legislative Staff Management Institute and the Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce Leadership Lansing Program.
In her personal time, James serves as chair of the City of Lansing’s Neighborhood Advisory Board and is an active volunteer with Downtown Lansing, Inc. James is a graduate of Michigan State University’s James Madison College.
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