Former Assistant Attorney General Erick Harris is running for the Republican nomination for Oklahoma State Senate, District 30, with the promise to bring a new generation of leadership to the State Capitol.
“Oklahoma is at a crossroads. Our budget process is inefficient. Our education system is in desperate need of improvement and our criminal justice system needs continued reforms,” said Harris. “We need bold new leaders who are willing to roll up their sleeves, put in the necessary work, and make the tough decisions to move our state forward.”
A former prosecutor, Harris has a record of being a strong voice for Oklahomans. As an Assistant Attorney General for former Republican Oklahoma Attorney General Scott Pruitt, he prosecuted elder abuse, abuse of the mentally disabled, and criminal fraud.
“During my time as a prosecutor, I often provided a voice for victims that suffered some of the most heinous abuse you can imagine. Sometimes, because they had no family or friends, I served as their only voice representing their interests,” Harris said.
A native Oklahoman, son, and grandson of educators, Harris values the importance of education. He is an Adjunct Professor of Political Science at the University of Central Oklahoma where he teaches American Government.
“Societies with a great economy, a thriving work force, and low poverty rate all have one thing in common, quality education that is accessible to all,” said Harris. “That requires we fund education and ensure state dollars are dedicated the classroom rather than excessive administrative overhead.”
Raised by a family of conservatives, who were lifelong Democrats, Harris said, “Like Ronald Reagan, the Democratic Party left me behind and I quickly learned the Republican Party’s policies aligned with my values.”
While a student, Erick attended the Democratic National Convention, which was the first time he began to question what he had assumed about himself for his entire life. Once he left the convention, Erick read the book, “What Color Is A Conservative,” and reached out to his good friend and mentor, former Congressman J.C. Watts, Jr. After some soul searching, prayer, being out of school and living in the real world, he realized that the party of Barack Obama was not the party of Erick Harris. Erick realized that the Republican Party best represented his views of fiscal responsibility and conservative values.
A community servant, Harris volunteers his time with many organizations. Currently, he is a member of the Oklahoma County Republican Party Executive Committee, the Putnam City Schools Foundation Advisory Board, and is a member of the Board of Trustees for the Oklahoma Humanities Council and Tuskegee University. He is also a member of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation of Oklahoma and a recipient of the “NextGen Under 30 Award,” which recognizes the next generation of leaders in Oklahoma. Additionally, Harris is a graduate of the Leadership Exchange Academy.
Harris resides in The Village and attends Fairview Missionary Baptist Church in Oklahoma City where he serves as a deacon.
Senate District 30 includes all or parts of Oklahoma City, The Village, Warr Acres and Bethany. It was previously represented by David Holt who vacated the seat after being elected Mayor of Oklahoma City.
“Mayor Holt has been a fantastic senator and will be an even better Mayor.” Harris said. “I hope to continue his record of strong principled leadership in the Oklahoma State Senate.”
To learn about Harris and his vision for Oklahoma, visit www.ErickHarrisOK.com.
