Mark Harris (8)

Biography

Mark Everette Harris is an American Baptist pastor and Republican politician serving as the U.S. Representative for North Carolina's 8th congressional district since 2025. A native North Carolinian, he previously served as senior pastor of First Baptist Church in Charlotte for over a decade and as president of the North Carolina Baptist Convention, where he helped lead the passage of North Carolina’s Marriage Amendment defining marriage as between one man and one woman. Harris is married to his college sweetheart Beth, with three adult children and ten grandchildren. Notable achievements include winning the Republican nomination and general election for the 8th district in 2024 by defeating Democrat Justin Dues by around 19 points, marking a political comeback after earlier primary losses.

Education

Harris graduated from Appalachian State University with a Bachelor of Science in Political Science. He earned a Master of Divinity and a Doctor of Ministry from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary.

Political Experience

Harris first ran for U.S. Senate in 2014, finishing third in the Republican primary, and sought North Carolina's 9th district in 2016 but lost the primary to incumbent Robert Pittenger. In 2023, he announced his bid for the 8th district after incumbent Dan Bishop retired to run for Attorney General, winning the primary on March 5, 2024, with over 30% of the vote and the general election in November. In Congress, he serves on the House Agriculture, Education and Workforce, and Judiciary Committees.