Wesley Ryan Harris (born September 22, 1986) is an American economist, Democratic member of the North Carolina House of Representatives and the 2024 Democratic nominee for North Carolina State Treasurer.

Wesley Harris
Member of the North Carolina House of Representatives
from the 105th district
Assumed office
January 1, 2019
Preceded byScott Stone
Personal details
Born
Wesley Ryan Harris

(1986-09-22) September 22, 1986 (age 38)
Taylorsville, North Carolina, U.S.
Political partyDemocratic
EducationUniversity of North Carolina, Chapel Hill (BA)
Clemson University (MA, PhD)
WebsiteState House website
Campaign website

He has represented the state's 105th district, including constituents in southwestern Mecklenburg County, since 2019.

Early life and education

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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

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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

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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

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Harris lives in Charlotte, North Carolina.[1]

Electoral history

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North Carolina State Treasurer, 2024 Democratic Primary[9]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Wesley Harris 433,791 66.59%
Democratic Gabe Esparza 217,689 33.41%
Total votes 651,480 100%
North Carolina House of Representatives 105th district general election, 2022[10]
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
North Carolina House of Representatives 105th district general election, 2020[11]
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
North Carolina House of Representatives 105th district general election, 2018[12]
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
North Carolina House of Representatives 105th district Democratic primary election, 2018[13]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Wesley Harris 2,244 70.48%
Democratic Ayoub Ouederni 940 29.52%
Total votes 3,184 100%

References

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  1. ^ a b "Wesley Harris' Biography". Vote Smart. Retrieved October 2, 2024.
  2. ^ "North Carolina Election Results - Election Results 2018 - The New York Times". The New York Times. Retrieved November 12, 2018.
  3. ^ "Ballotpedia". Ballotpedia. Retrieved August 17, 2023.
  4. ^ "Mecklenburg Democrat to run for NC treasurer, says office shouldn't have 'partisan games'". Charlotte Observer. Retrieved March 14, 2023.
  5. ^ "03/05/2024 OFFICIAL PRIMARY ELECTION RESULTS - STATEWIDE". North Carolina State Board of Elections. Retrieved May 24, 2024.
  6. ^ https://ncnewsline.com/briefs/republican-brad-briner-elected-next-north-carolina-state-treasurer/
  7. ^ "Representative Wesley Harris, PhD (Dem)". North Carolina General Assembly. Retrieved August 17, 2023.
  8. ^ "Wesley Harris". Retrieved January 7, 2022.
  9. ^ [1] North Carolina State Board of Elections.
  10. ^ [2] North Carolina State Board of Elections.
  11. ^ [3] North Carolina State Board of Elections.
  12. ^ [4] North Carolina State Board of Elections.
  13. ^ [5] North Carolina State Board of Elections.
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North Carolina House of Representatives
Preceded by Member of the North Carolina House of Representatives
from the 105th district

2019–present
Incumbent
Party political offices
Preceded by
Ronnie Chatterji
Democratic nominee for North Carolina State Treasurer
2024
Most recent