[2] His attempt was unsuccessful, as he came in fourth in the primaries, failing to advance to the general election and losing to Richard Lewis who would eventually go on to win the seat.
Harris was successful in his upset bid, and became Lincoln's mayor in May 1987 after resigning his seat in the Nebraska Legislature.
[7] While serving as Lincoln's mayor, Harris was responsible for spearheading construction projects and redevelopment, including annexing the bankrupt Highlands neighborhood and building a public golf course there, renovating Pershing Auditorium, and rejuvenating the warehouse district into the Haymarket business and entertainment district in downtown Lincoln.
[7] In 1990, while mayor of Lincoln, Harris ran for Governor of Nebraska, but he came in fourth in the Democratic primary, losing to Ben Nelson, who went on to win the general election.
[7] In 1991, Harris ran for re-election as mayor of Lincoln but lost to then-Lincoln city councilman Mike Johanns.