Wesley Harris
Wesley Harris | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Member of the North Carolina House of Representatives from the 105th district | |
| In office January 1, 2019 – January 1, 2025 | |
| Preceded by | Scott Stone |
| Succeeded by | Laura Budd (Redistricting) |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Wesley Ryan Harris September 22, 1986 Taylorsville, North Carolina, U.S. |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Education | University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill (BA) Clemson University (MA, PhD) |
| Website | State House website Campaign website |
Wesley Ryan Harris (born September 22, 1986) is an American economist, Democratic former member of the North Carolina House of Representatives and was the 2024 Democratic nominee for North Carolina State Treasurer.
He represented the state's 105th district, including constituents in southwestern Mecklenburg County, from 2019 to 2025.
Early life and education
Born in Taylorsville, North Carolina, Harris received a Bachelor of Arts in economics from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He later attended Clemson University earning a Master of Arts and a Doctor of Philosophy in economics.[1]
Political career
Harris won his first election on November 6, 2018, securing 52 percent of the vote over incumbent Republican Scott Stone, secured 48 percent.[2] He has been twice re-elected, defeating Republican challengers Amy Bynum in 2020 and Joshua Niday in 2022.[3]
On March 13, 2023, Harris announced a run for North Carolina State Treasurer.[4] He earned the Democratic nomination on March 5, 2024 with 66.59% of the vote.[5] He lost to Republican Brad Briner.[6]
Committee assignments
- 2023–24 session[7]
- Agriculture
- Finance
- Judiciary 3
- Marine Resources and Aquaculture
- Transportation
- 2021–22 session[8]
- Education - Universities
- Finance
- Judiciary III
- Marine Resources and Aquaculture
- Transportation
- 2019–20 session
- Finance
- Judiciary
- Transportation
- Homeland Security, Military, and Veterans Affairs Committee
Personal life
Harris lives in Charlotte, North Carolina.[1]
Electoral history
2024
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Democratic | Wesley Harris | 433,791 | 66.59% | |
| Democratic | Gabe Esparza | 217,689 | 33.41% | |
| Total votes | 651,480 | 100% | ||
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Republican | Brad Briner | 2,900,059 | 52.45% | |
| Democratic | Wesley Harris | 2,629,444 | 47.55% | |
| Total votes | 5,529,503 | 100% | ||
| Republican hold | ||||
2022
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Democratic | Wesley Harris (incumbent) | 17,545 | 56.87% | |
| Republican | Joshua Niday | 13,307 | 43.13% | |
| Total votes | 30,852 | 100% | ||
| Democratic hold | ||||
2020
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Democratic | Wesley Harris (incumbent) | 25,732 | 54.78% | |
| Republican | Amy Bynum | 21,245 | 45.22% | |
| Total votes | 46,977 | 100% | ||
| Democratic hold | ||||
2018
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Democratic | Wesley Harris | 2,244 | 70.48% | |
| Democratic | Ayoub Ouederni | 940 | 29.52% | |
| Total votes | 3,184 | 100% | ||
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Democratic | Wesley Harris | 18,362 | 52.29% | |
| Republican | Scott Stone (incumbent) | 16,753 | 47.71% | |
| Total votes | 35,115 | 100% | ||
| Democratic gain from Republican | ||||
References
- ^ a b "Wesley Harris' Biography". Vote Smart. Retrieved October 2, 2024.
- ^ "North Carolina Election Results - Election Results 2018 - The New York Times". The New York Times. Retrieved November 12, 2018.
- ^ "Ballotpedia". Ballotpedia. Retrieved August 17, 2023.
- ^ "Mecklenburg Democrat to run for NC treasurer, says office shouldn't have 'partisan games'". Charlotte Observer. Retrieved March 14, 2023.
- ^ "03/05/2024 OFFICIAL PRIMARY ELECTION RESULTS - STATEWIDE". North Carolina State Board of Elections. Retrieved May 24, 2024.
- ^ https://ncnewsline.com/briefs/republican-brad-briner-elected-next-north-carolina-state-treasurer/
- ^ "Representative Wesley Harris, PhD (Dem)". North Carolina General Assembly. Retrieved August 17, 2023.
- ^ "Wesley Harris". Retrieved January 7, 2022.
- ^ [1] North Carolina State Board of Elections.
- ^ [2] North Carolina State Board of Elections.
- ^ [3] North Carolina State Board of Elections.
- ^ [4] North Carolina State Board of Elections.
- ^ [5] North Carolina State Board of Elections.
- ^ [6] North Carolina State Board of Elections.
External links
- Representative Wesley Harris legislative website
- Wesley Harris for State Treasurer campaign website