Rep. Mark Harris, a Republican, is seeking reelection to North Carolina's 8th Congressional District seat in the Nov. 3, 2026, general election.

Harris has represented the district since 2025. He faces two challengers: Colby Watson, a Democrat, and Robert Whitehead of the Green Party, according to BallotReady election data.

Harris has not responded to The Waxhaws Dispatch's candidate questionnaire.

Candidate information

  • Party: Republican
  • Office sought: U.S. House of Representatives, North Carolina 8th Congressional District
  • Hometown: Born and raised in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, according to his campaign website
  • Family: Married to Beth, his college sweetheart; three adult children and 11 grandchildren, according to his congressional biography
  • Education: Bachelor's in political science, Appalachian State University (1987); master's in divinity, Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary; doctorate in divinity, according to BallotReady and his congressional biography

Experience and public service

Harris serves on three House committees: the Committee on the Judiciary, the Committee on Agriculture, and the Committee on Education and Workforce, according to his congressional biography. He took office in 2025.

Before entering Congress, Harris spent decades in ministry, serving as pastor at Curtis Baptist Church from 2000 to 2005, at Trinity Baptist Church, at Center Grove Baptist Church and at First Baptist Charlotte, according to BallotReady profile data and his campaign website. He served as president of the North Carolina Baptist Convention in 2011 and 2013, according to his campaign website.

On the issues

Harris has outlined positions on several policy areas through his campaign website. All statements below are the candidate's own claims.

Education: Harris said he supports parental choice in education, including public, private, charter and homeschool options. He said he will fight for policies focused on local control and maximum flexibility for students.

Immigration and border security: Harris said he is committed to fortifying the nation's borders, supporting advanced technology and enforcing immigration laws.

National defense and veterans: Harris said he supports a strong military that deters threats and stands with allies. He said he emphasizes honoring the sacrifices of service members during and after their service. His campaign website states his father's World War II experiences inspire his position.

Criminal justice and public safety: Harris said he believes in strict law enforcement and holding criminals accountable. He said he is dedicated to ensuring North Carolinians can live and work in a secure environment.

Economy: Harris said he wants to deliver legislation that reduces costs for taxpayers and increases take-home pay for families in the 8th District.

Harris also said on his campaign website that he believes in the sanctity of all human life from conception to natural end. He said he led the effort for North Carolina's 2012 marriage amendment and advocates for measures he says uphold the foundations of families.