Cody Joe Harris is a Republican member of the Texas House of Representatives representing District 8, which includes Anderson, Cherokee, Henderson , and Navarro counties in East Texas, centered around Palestine. A fifth-generation Texan and ranch broker, he owns Liberty Land & Ranch, a real estate firm, and previously served as president of the Palestine YMCA Board and Palestine Young Professionals Network. He and his wife Taylor have four children and are active at First Baptist Church Palestine, where he serves as a deacon.

Notable achievements include chairing the House Natural Resources Committee in the 89th Session, authoring water infrastructure investments like HJR 7, sponsoring ibogaine treatment for veterans , and creating the Texas Advanced Nuclear Development Office . He previously chaired the Local & Consent Calendars Committee and served as Vice-Chair of Natural Resources. Awards include 2025 Rainmaker of the Year from the Texas Water Foundation, Legislator of the Year from the Texas Nuclear Alliance, and Snorting Bull Freedom Fighter from the Texas State Rifle Association. Appointed by Governor Abbott to the Southwestern States Water Commission, he co-chairs the State Water Implementation Fund for Texas Advisory and is a founding member of the Texas House Nuclear Caucus.

Education and Political Experience

• Education: B.S. from Texas A&M University ; graduate of Texas Agricultural Lifetime Leadership program.
• Political Experience: First elected in 2018, assumed office January 8, 2019, succeeding Byron Cook; won general election 78.2%-21.8%. Served on committees including Energy Resources, Agriculture & Livestock, Public Education, Calendars, and Licensing & Administrative Procedures; current roles include Chair of Natural Resources.