Wesley Harris
American politician from North Carolina
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Wesley Ryan Harris (born September 22, 1986) is an American economist and politician who served as a member of the North Carolina House of Representatives representing the 105th district from 2019 to 2025. He was the Democratic nominee for state treasurer in the 2024 election.
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 (redistricted) |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Wesley Ryan Harris September 22, 1986 |
| Party | Democratic |
| Education | University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill (BA) Clemson University (MA, PhD) |
| Website | State House website Campaign website |
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 | ||||
