[1] Harris graduated from the University of North Texas in 1954 with a degree in political science.

He then served as an instructor pilot in the United States Air Force.

[2] He was elected to the Texas House of Representatives in 1962 as one of nine Republicans of 150 total members.

In 1967, he was then elected to the Texas Senate joining party convert Henry Grover as one of two Republicans in that chamber.

After the decennial redistricting, Harris was drawn into a district with fellow Republican and freshman Senator Florence Shapiro.