John Lance Harris (born June 11, 1961) is an American businessman and politician from Alexandria, Louisiana. He was a Republican member of the Louisiana House of Representatives for District 25 in Rapides Parish. In 2020, Harris ran for Congress in Louisiana's 5th congressional district. He was defeated by fellow Republican Luke Letlow in the runoff election.[1]
Background
Harris attended Louisiana College in his native Pineville and Northwestern State University in Natchitoches, Louisiana.[2] Harris owns the Leebo's chain of convenience stores.[3]
In the nonpartisan blanket primary held on October 22, 2011, Harris defeated his only opponent, fellow Republican Barett Byrd, a retired colonel in the United States Marine Corps from Woodworth.[4] Harris succeeded Democratic Representative Chris Roy, Jr., of Alexandria, effective January 2012.[5] Harris defeated Byrd, 7,577 votes (55.5 percent) to 6,088 (44.6 percent) to claim the position.[6] Harris was elected chairman of the Louisiana Republican legislative delegation in December 2012. In 2020, he was succeeded by Rep. Blake Miguez as chairman.
At the beginning of his third term in 2020, Harris was named Chairman of the House Retirement Committee and additionally serves on the Appropriations Committee, the Joint Legislative Committee on the Budget, and the House Select Leadership Committee. He is a member of the Louisiana Republican Legislative Delegation and the Louisiana Rural Caucus.[7]
Legislative record
In 2013, Harris endorsed Governor Bobby Jindal's decision to withdraw a plan to increase sales taxes while at the same time repealing the state income tax. Jindal dropped the plan after opposition surfaced in public opinion polls and among legislators. "While repeal is off the table for this legislative session, we will continue to work on the issue so that we can craft a responsible way to achieve our objectives in reforming the tax code in the future," Harris said.[8][9][10][11][12][13][14]
In May 2016, he wrote an amendment to Louisiana's hate crime statue, adding protections for police officers and firefighters who are targeted based on their profession. The amendment was signed into law by Governor John Bel Edwards.[15]
References
- ^ "Luke Letlow projected winner of U.S. House District 5". WDSU. December 6, 2020.
- ^ "Lance Harris's Biography". Project Vote Smart. May 27, 2015.
- ^ "Byrd, Harris vying for open Louisiana House District 25 seat". The Alexandria Town Talk, October 13, 2011. Retrieved October 24, 2011.[permanent dead link]
- ^ "Byrd to seek Louisiana District 25 seat held by Roy". Alexandria Daily Town Talk, July 14, 2011. Retrieved August 5, 2011.[permanent dead link]
- ^ "Rep. Roy opts for family time over running for reelection". The Alexandria Town Talk, July 20, 2011. Archived from the original on August 15, 2013. Retrieved August 3, 2011.
- ^ "Louisiana primary election returns, October 22, 2011". staticresults.sos.la.gov. Retrieved October 24, 2011.
- ^ "Louisiana House of Representatives". Retrieved April 8, 2020.
- ^ ""Alexandria Rep. Harris supports shelving of Jindal's income tax repeal", April 16, 2013". The Alexandria Town Talk, April 17, 2013.[permanent dead link]
- ^ Richard P. Sharkey (April 10, 2015). "Central La. legislators: Get rid of Common Core". The Alexandria Town Talk. Retrieved April 11, 2015.
- ^ "Lance Harris's Ratings and Endorsements". Project Vote Smart. Retrieved May 27, 2015.
- ^ "Lance Harris's Voting Records". Project Vote Smart. May 27, 2015.
- ^ "Vivian Brossett, January 1967". Louisiana Secretary of State. Retrieved September 11, 2015.[permanent dead link]
- ^ "Qualifying Update: Harris draws last-minute challenger". The Alexandria Town Talk. Retrieved September 11, 2015.
- ^ "Vivian Ebase Brossett". intelius.com. Retrieved September 11, 2015.
- ^ PÉREZ-PEÑA, Richard (May 27, 2016). "Louisiana Enacts Hate Crimes Law to Protect a New Group: Police". The New York Times. Retrieved May 27, 2016.
