Special to the
Opelika Observer
District 5 Lee County Commissioner John Andrew Harris announced that he will run on the Democratic ticket for the open seat in Alabama House District 83.
The seat, which covers parts of both Lee and Russell counties, became available following the passing of longtime Rep. George “Tootsie” Bandy last month.
An Opelika native, Harris said he has spent most of his life working as a public servant, a career that spans more than 30 years.
In 1986, Harris was elected city councilmen, making him one of the first African-Americans elected to the position.
Eight years later, Harris left the city council and joined the Lee County Commission, where he has remained since.
With a campaign theme called ‘The Next Day’, Harris said he plans to continue the mission that Bandy started years ago within that district.
Harris will face Opelika Ward 1 Councilwoman Patsy Jones, Opelika businessman Jeremy Gray and former Russell County Commissioner Ronnie Reed for the seat.
The Democratic primaries, along with the Republicans, will be held in June.
He attends St. Luke AME Church in Opelika and is the father of seven adult children.
