James Uthmeier

Uthmeier has served as DeSantis’ chief of staff since October 2021 and worked as the governor’s general counsel before he became his top aide. He has been involved in some of the governor’s most high profile initiatives, including the controversial program to transport migrants from Texas to Martha’s Vineyard last year. Uthmeier also worked as a senior adviser to former Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross but his background is primarily in legal work and not in running political campaigns. James and his wife, Jean, co-teach religious education classes at the St. Thomas More Co-Cathedral in Tallahassee. Former Commerce Sec. Wilbur Ross senior adviser/ counsel, Jones Day associate.