Andy Harris (politician)

Andy Harris (politician)
Name	Andy Harris
Birth date	25 January 1957
Birth place	New York City, New York
Residence	Baltimore County, Maryland
Occupation	Physician
Party	Republican Party
Spouse	Nancy Harris
Alma mater	Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute; Harvard Medical School; Johns Hopkins University

Andy Harris (politician) is an American physician and politician serving as the U.S. Representative for Maryland's 1st congressional district since 2011. A member of the Republican Party, he previously served in the Maryland House of Delegates and is known for his conservative positions on healthcare, fiscal policy, and social issues. Harris's career spans clinical practice, state legislation, and federal policymaking, with frequent involvement in debates over Affordable Care Act, regulatory reform, and energy policy.

Early life and education

Harris was born in New York City and raised in Baltimore County, Maryland. He attended Towson High School before enrolling at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, where he earned a degree in biomedical engineering. He studied medicine at Harvard Medical School and completed residency training at Johns Hopkins Hospital, affiliated with Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. During his student years he engaged with institutions such as National Institutes of Health and networks connected to Association of American Physicians and Surgeons.

Medical career

Harris practiced as an internist and served as a faculty member at Johns Hopkins University. He has been licensed by the Maryland State Board of Physicians and was active in clinical organizations including the American Medical Association and specialty societies. His medical work included primary care in Baltimore County, Maryland and advocacy on issues related to Medicare, Medicaid, and the Food and Drug Administration. Harris's clinical background informed his legislative interest in Health insurance matters and biomedical research funding at agencies like the National Institutes of Health.

Maryland House of Delegates

Harris served in the Maryland House of Delegates representing parts of Baltimore County, Maryland and Harford County, Maryland. In the state legislature he served on committees that addressed public health, environmental regulation, and budgetary oversight, interacting with bodies such as the Maryland Senate and the Governor of Maryland's administration. Harris sponsored and supported legislation related to medical scope of practice, tort reform, and tax policy, aligning with Republican priorities in the state. His tenure in Annapolis included engagement with interest groups such as the Maryland Chamber of Commerce and professional associations.

U.S. House of Representatives

Elected to the United States House of Representatives in 2010, Harris represents a district encompassing the Eastern Shore, parts of Harford County, Maryland, and most of Baltimore County, Maryland. In Congress he has served on committees including the House Energy and Commerce Committee and its subcommittees on health and oversight, participating in oversight of agencies like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Food and Drug Administration. Harris has been involved with caucuses such as the Republican Study Committee and has collaborated with lawmakers including Paul Ryan, Mitch McConnell, and Kevin McCarthy on fiscal and regulatory issues. He has voted on major federal measures including spending bills, tax legislation under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, and proposals to repeal or modify the Affordable Care Act.

Political positions

Harris holds conservative positions on many policy areas. On healthcare he favors repeal or significant modification of the Affordable Care Act and has advocated market-oriented reforms affecting Medicare and Medicaid. On fiscal matters he supports tax reduction measures like the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 and budgetary restraint championed by the House Freedom Caucus. On energy and environment he has backed offshore energy development in the Chesapeake Bay region and opposed certain Environmental Protection Agency regulations. On social issues he has opposed expansions of abortion rights and supported religious liberty protections tied to decisions from the Supreme Court of the United States. Harris has taken positions on foreign policy including support for allies such as Israel and has engaged with legislation concerning sanctions and defense appropriations related to conflicts involving Russia and Iran.

Elections and campaigns

Harris first won his congressional seat in the 2010 midterm elections, defeating incumbent-aligned candidates amid a national surge for the Republicans. He was re-elected in subsequent cycles, facing challengers including members of the Democratic Party, independent candidates, and primary opponents within the GOP. Campaign themes often featured criticism of the Affordable Care Act, federal spending, and support for regional industries such as aquaculture and agriculture on the Delmarva Peninsula. His campaigns have received contributions tracked by entities such as the Federal Election Commission and outside groups including American Conservative Union-aligned PACs.

Personal life and controversies

Harris is married to Nancy and they have three children; they are members of a local church community in Baltimore County, Maryland. His career has included controversies and public scrutiny, such as debates over his statements during the COVID-19 pandemic, positions on vaccine mandates, and correspondence relating to election certification in the aftermath of the 2020 United States presidential election. He has faced criticism from organizations including American Civil Liberties Union and media outlets such as The Washington Post and The Baltimore Sun for certain policy stances and public comments, while receiving support from conservative groups like the Tea Party movement and Heritage Foundation-aligned advocates.

Category:1957 births Category:Living people Category:Members of the United States House of Representatives from Maryland Category:Maryland Republicans Category:American physicians