James Kelcourse

James Kelcourse is a member of the Massachusetts Parole Board. Kelcourse was previously a member of the Massachusetts House of Representatives. A resident of Amesbury, Massachusetts, he was elected as a Republican to represent the 1st Essex district. Kelcourse, a former Amesbury city councillor, defeated Newburyport city councillor Ed Cameron in a very close election. He was declared the victor by 12 votes after a month-long recount. He was re-elected in 2016, 2018, and 2020. Kelcourse served the cities of Newburyport and Amesbury and the town of Salisbury for 4 terms in the House of Representatives.

In 2012, Kelcourse ran for the Massachusetts State Senate in the 1st Essex district as an unenrolled candidate. He placed last in the general election.

On June 16, 2021, Kelcourse announced his candidacy for Mayor of the City of Amesbury. On November 2, 2021, in Amesbury's Mayoral election, Representative Kelcourse lost to incumbent Mayor Kassandra Gove.

On June 1, 2022, Kelcourse was nominated by Governor Charlie Baker to serve on the state Parole Board. On June 22, his nomination was confirmed by the Massachusetts Governor's Council. He resigned his position as State Representative on June 29, 2022 and was officially sworn in as a member of the Parole Board.

Kelcourse resides in Amesbury with his wife Amanda and their two children. Prior to his appointment to the Parole Board, Kelcourse operated a legal practice in Newburyport, Massachusetts.

Electoral history

First Essex - 2016 State Representative Republican Primary PartyCandidateVotes%RepublicanJames Kelcourse (inc.)663100.0