Prior to his election to the state senate, Harris represented District 7 on the Memphis City Council.

[2] In 2018, Harris was the Democratic nominee for Mayor of Shelby County, defeating Republican David Lenoir.

He is the son of a retired high school guidance counselor and a heating and air conditioning repairman.

[7] Harris began his legal career as an associate at Baker, Donelson, Bearman, Caldwell & Berkowitz, a Memphis law firm.

He won the general election, defeating Republican Shelby County Trustee David Lenoir 55-45%.

Harris' campaign emphasized reducing poverty and expanding education, including access to jobs training and apprenticeships.

He also increased funding for early childhood education and created a paid parental leave program for county employees.