James McDonald was Labor Party Member of the Tasmania House of Assembly for the electorate of Bass from 26 June 1915, when he was successful at a by-election, until his defeat at the election held on 25 March 1916. McDonald was elected to the Tasmanian Legislative Council for the electorate of Gordon on 2 May 1916, and held his seat until he was defeated on 2 May 1922, but he won office again for the Gordon on 8 May 1928, and held the seat until his death in 1947. He held Ministerial office as Attorney General from 1940 to 1946 and as Minister for Mines from 1946 to 1947.
- Occupation
- politician, trade unionist, miner
- Position held
- Member of the Tasmanian House of Assembly, Member of the Tasmanian Legislative Council, Member of the Tasmanian Legislative Council
- Citizenship
- Australia
