Jim Ramstad was born in Jamestown, North Dakota, a third generation member of a small business family. He received his B.A. Degree from the University of Minnesota in 1968 (Phi Beta Kappa) and his J.D. (with Honors) from George Washington University in 1973.

Jim Ramstad served his country as a First Lieutenant, U.S. Army Reserve, from 1968 through 1975, and as a Criminal Justice Act Attorney from 1973 to 1978. State Senator Ramstad served in the Minnesota Legislature between 1981 and 1990. Congressman Ramstad was first elected to Congress in 1990. He served as a member of the House Ways and Means Committee and the House Judiciary Committee. He also founded and co-chaired the Addiction Treatment and Recovery Caucus, and co-chaired the Congressional Law Enforcement Caucus.

Congressman Ramstad was the chief co-sponsor of the Paul Wellstone Mental Health and Addiction Treatment Parity Act, signed into law on October 3, 2008. He was also co-sponsor of a new law to improve mental health screening and addiction treatment for veterans.

Congressman Ramstad was the 1998 recipient of the “Fullbright Distinguished Public Service Award.” He was also named “Legislator of the Year” in 1998 by the National Association of Alcoholism and Drug Addiction Counselors, in 1999 by the National Mental Health Association, and in 1997 and 2000 by the National Association of Police Organizations.

In 2005, Jim was named “Leading Light for Seniors” by the American Health Care Association, and in 2006 he received the “Disabilities Rights Award” from the American Association of People with Disabilities.

Jim Ramstad has a long history of civic involvement. Among his many commitments in the community, he currently serves as a board member for the National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse at Columbia University, for the Center for Integrated Behavioral Health Policy at George Washington University, and for Minnesota D.A.R.E.

Jim and his wife Kathryn have one daughter, Christen, and are members of Wayzata Community Church.