James Forester has been actively involved in politics for over 20 years. He began his public career in 2001 when he was elected as a city council member in his hometown of Madison, Wisconsin. James advocated for environmental reform and affordable housing, quickly gaining a reputation as a defender of the working class. James served three terms as councilman before he moved on to a wider political role as a state senator, where he has served since 2010. As a state senator, James focused on healthcare reform, believing that access to quality medical care should be a fundamental right. He has increased healthcare access in rural communities and fought to expand Medicaid a health program in Wisconsin. His reforms have led to an increase in healthcare coverage across the state. James graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 1996 with a degree in Public Policy. He later earned his master's in political science from Harvard University in 2000. After completing his education, James returned to Madison, where he worked as a policy advisor for the city’s mayor. When he is not in the senate chambers, James enjoys spending time with his family and is an avid hiker. He lives in Madison with his wife, Emily, and their two children, Lily, and Max