Kevin Harris

Kevin Harris is an American politician currently serving as a member of the Maryland Senate, representing the 27th district. A member of the Democratic Party, he previously served in the Maryland House of Delegates, representing District 27A. Harris has a background in military service and education, and he has been involved in local politics and community service throughout his career.

Early life and career

Kevin Harris was born on October 24, 1981. He completed his secondary education at St. Benedict's Preparatory School, graduating in 1999. Following high school, Harris enlisted in the United States Navy, where he served until 2009. His military service provided him with valuable experiences that would later inform his public service career.

After his time in the Navy, Harris pursued higher education. He attended Washington Bible College, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in general studies in 2011. He continued his academic journey at Walden University, obtaining a Master of Science degree in leadership development in 2014. Since 2011, he has been employed at Fort Meade, a military installation that plays a critical role in national defense and intelligence operations.

Harris's early foray into politics came in 2018 when he ran for a seat on the Prince George's County Council in District 9. He sought to succeed councilmember Mel Franklin, who was running for an at-large position on the council. However, Harris's campaign did not gain significant traction, as he finished third-to-last in the Democratic primary, securing only a small percentage of the vote.

Despite this setback, Harris remained engaged in public service and local politics. In 2022, he decided to run for the Maryland House of Delegates, targeting the 27A district. In this election, he faced incumbent Susie Proctor in the Democratic primary. Harris successfully defeated Proctor, garnering a majority of the votes in the primary election. He subsequently ran unopposed in the general election, which solidified his position as a member of the Maryland House of Delegates.

Legislative service

Harris was sworn into the Maryland House of Delegates on January 11, 2023. During his tenure in the House, he served on the House Appropriations Committee, where he contributed to discussions and decisions regarding the state budget and fiscal policies. His role on this committee allowed him to engage with important legislative matters that impact the state's financial health and resource allocation.

In October 2025, following the appointment of state senator Michael Jackson as the secretary of Maryland State Police, Harris announced his intention to seek appointment to the Maryland Senate to fill the vacancy left by Jackson. His candidacy received endorsements from Jackson and Prince George's County Executive Aisha Braveboy, indicating support from prominent figures within the Democratic Party and local government.

In November 2025, the Charles County Democratic Central Committee, Calvert County Democratic Central Committee, and Prince George's County Democratic Central Committee convened to nominate Harris for the Senate seat. Following this nomination process, Governor Wes Moore appointed Harris to the Maryland Senate on December 5, 2025. He was sworn into the Senate on December 9, 2025, marking the beginning of his current legislative role.

In the Senate, Harris is a member of the Education, Energy, and Environment Committee, where he continues to address issues pertinent to his constituents and the state of Maryland.

Policy focus and district

As a legislator, Harris has demonstrated a commitment to addressing key issues in education and energy. During the 2026 legislative session, he introduced the Maryland Phone-Free Schools Act, a proposed piece of legislation aimed at restricting students' use of personal electronic devices and banning social media usage during school hours. This initiative reflects a growing concern about the impact of technology on education and student well-being.

In addition to his focus on education, Harris has also been active in energy policy. He introduced a bill during the same legislative session that would allow utilities to construct and operate their own power stations, with funding sourced from ratepayer contributions. This proposal indicates his interest in exploring innovative solutions to energy production and management in Maryland.

Harris represents the 27th district, which encompasses parts of Prince George's County. The district is characterized by its diverse population and a range of community needs. As a member of the Maryland Senate, Harris is tasked with addressing the unique challenges and opportunities faced by his constituents. His legislative efforts are aimed at improving the quality of life for residents in his district while also contributing to the broader goals of the state.

In addition to his legislative responsibilities, Harris is involved in community service as a regional protocol director for the Full Gospel Baptist Church Fellowship. This role allows him to engage with community members and contribute to local initiatives beyond his formal political duties.

Overall, Kevin Harris's career reflects a blend of military service, education, and public service. His journey from the Navy to the Maryland Senate illustrates his commitment to serving his community and addressing the pressing issues facing Maryland residents. As he continues his legislative work, Harris remains focused on policies that promote education and energy innovation, aiming to make a positive impact in his district and the state at large.