Uthmeier previously served as Governor Ron DeSantis’ Chief of Staff, where he spearheaded the Governor’s top initiatives. James fought to keep Florida open during the COVID pandemic, and he led Florida’s legal battles to immediately reopen businesses and schools and prohibit mask and vaccine requirements. He helped Governor DeSantis deliver widespread victories on education freedom, parental rights, election integrity, tax relief, and public safety.

 

Before his time serving the state of Florida, James served as counsel to Donald Trump’s 2016 campaign for President and was appointed by the President to serve as a senior advisor and counsel to U.S. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross.  James also previously worked at a top international law firm, where he advocated in court for First Amendment rights and religious freedom. He is a graduate of Georgetown Law and the University of Florida, where he ran varsity cross-country and track for the National Champion Gators. 

 

James grew up in Destin, Florida and is a graduate of Fort Walton Beach High School. James and his wife, Jean, have three young kids. They are active in their church and co-teach religious education classes.