Andrea Harrison

Andrea Harrison is a prominent American politician currently serving as a member of the Maryland House of Delegates, representing District 24 in Prince George's County. A member of the Democratic Party, she has a history of public service that includes a prior tenure on the Prince George's County Council, where she notably became the first woman to hold the position. Harrison's legislative work has focused on economic issues, social policies, and community development, reflecting her commitment to the constituents of her district.

Early life and career

Andrea Carleen Fletcher was born on September 20, 1963, in Washington, D.C. She is the daughter of James C. Fletcher. Harrison's educational journey began at Prince George's Community College, where she earned an Associate in Arts degree in micro computer systems in 1992. She later pursued further education at Bowie State University, obtaining a Bachelor of Arts degree in public policy in 2002. This academic background laid a foundation for her future career in public service and politics.

Before entering the political arena, Harrison was actively involved in her community through the Ardmore Springdale Civic Association. Her leadership roles within the association included serving as president, vice president, and secretary from 1994 to 2007. This experience allowed her to engage with local issues and develop a strong understanding of the needs and concerns of her community.

Harrison's political career began in earnest in 2008 when she was elected to the Prince George's County Council. This opportunity arose following the death of councilmember Gwendolyn T. Britt, which led to a special election to fill the vacancy. Harrison won the Democratic primary on April 2, 2008, narrowly defeating her opponent, Edmonston mayor Adam Ortiz. She was sworn into office on May 19, 2008, and represented District 5 until December 3, 2019. During her time on the council, she made history as the first woman to represent the seat, which had previously been held by her father.

In 2012, Harrison was elected chair of the county council, further solidifying her leadership role within local government. By 2016, she began to explore new political opportunities, particularly in response to a referendum aimed at expanding the county council. Ultimately, she decided to run for the Maryland House of Delegates, announcing her candidacy for District 24 on December 14, 2017. During her campaign, she received an endorsement from U.S. Representative Anthony Brown and successfully won the Democratic primary, finishing third in a competitive field of candidates.

Legislative service

Harrison was sworn into the Maryland House of Delegates on January 9, 2019. Since taking office, she has been an active member of several committees, contributing to various legislative initiatives and discussions. Her committee assignments include the Economic Matters Committee, where she has served since 2021, focusing on banking, consumer protection, and commercial law. Additionally, she is a member of the Study Group on Economic Stability and the Joint Audit and Evaluation Committee, both of which play crucial roles in assessing and improving state policies.

Harrison also holds the position of House Chair of the Protocol Committee, a role she has maintained since 2020. This committee is responsible for establishing and maintaining the formal procedures and protocols within the House of Delegates. Furthermore, she is a member of the Joint Committee on Fair Practices and State Personnel Oversight, which addresses issues related to equity and fairness in state employment practices.

Her previous committee work included serving on the Environment and Transportation Committee from 2019 to 2021, where she engaged with local government and bi-county agency matters, as well as transportation issues. Harrison's involvement in these committees reflects her commitment to addressing the diverse needs of her constituents and the broader Maryland community.

In addition to her committee work, Harrison is a member of the Legislative Black Caucus of Maryland and the Women Legislators of Maryland, organizations that advocate for the interests of underrepresented groups in the state legislature. Her participation in these groups underscores her dedication to promoting diversity and inclusion within the political landscape.

Policy focus and district

Throughout her legislative career, Harrison has focused on a variety of policy issues, particularly those affecting economic stability and social welfare. One of her significant legislative achievements occurred in 2013 when she introduced a bill to raise the minimum wage in Prince George's County to $11.50 per hour by 2016. This legislation was passed and signed into law, reflecting her commitment to improving the economic conditions for workers in her district.

Harrison has also been active in addressing social issues within her community. In 2011, she co-sponsored legislation aimed at banning slot machines in Prince George's County, demonstrating her stance on gambling and its potential impact on the community. Although the county council ultimately voted to table the bill, Harrison's opposition to the motion highlighted her dedication to her constituents' concerns.

In 2012, she supported a resolution opposing a bill that would allow casinos to be established in Prince George's County, further illustrating her commitment to maintaining the integrity of the community. Additionally, in 2013, she collaborated with county executive Rushern Baker to endorse a plan to relocate the headquarters of the Federal Bureau of Investigation to Greenbelt, Maryland, showcasing her focus on economic development and job creation in the region.

Harrison resides in Springdale, Maryland, with her spouse and three children, one of whom, Christian Harrison, is a professional track and field athlete. Her personal experiences as a mother and community member inform her legislative priorities and her approach to serving the people of District 24. Through her ongoing work in the Maryland House of Delegates, Harrison continues to advocate for policies that aim to enhance the quality of life for her constituents and contribute to the overall well-being of Prince George's County.