Metro East Sun

Erica Harriss is a Madison County Board member running for state Senate in the 56th district. In an interview with the Metro East Sun Harriss identified herself as a conservative individual prioritizing the fight to bring power back to the local level and "ethics reform."

Harriss was elected to the Madison County Board in 2016 and during her time there she was able to accomplish a lot for her community. In 2020, Harriss was one of the board members who worked to put a referendum on the ballot to lower the maximum county property tax levy by $1.8 million, which passed. Since then, Harriss stated that "I have never voted to raise taxes." She also supported increasing the Sheriff's budget and voted to fund the restoration of the county jail all while keeping the county debt-free.

Before joining the county board, Harriss worked professionally in marketing and human resources for Ozzie Smith, and staffed newsrooms at KSDK-TV in St. Louis, and WLBT-TV in Jackson, Mississippi. From 1999 until 2004 she served as the Director of Communications for the National Children’s Cancer Society (NCCS), an organization that provides assistance to parents of children diagnosed with cancer.

Opposite Harriss' name on the ballot come November will be Sen. Kristopher Tharp (D), a captain in the Madison County Sheriff's Department.

District 56 encompasses numerous communities including Alton and East Alton, Godfrey, Bethalto, Edwardsville, Wood River, Roxanna and South Roxanna, Rosewood Heights, Hartford, Glen Carbon, Maryville, Granite City, Pontoon Beach, Collinsville, Caseyville, Fairview Heights, and O’Fallon. It lies on the bank of the Mississippi River, is home to the Cahokia Mounds world heritage site, and many other historic landmarks. The District is home to Granite City Steel, a subsidiary of the United States Steel Corporation, the Wood River Phillips 66 Refinery, the manufacturer Wieland Rolled Products (formerly Olin Brass, in East Alton), Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, and Lewis & Clark Community College in Godfrey.

Why are you running for office? 

“My one-word answer to describe my platform is “reform.” When I ran for County Board in 2016 I felt that our local government needed new leadership to lower taxes and balance the budget. The same applies to the state of Illinois. The Democrats who control the Senate have failed to regulate spending, have ruined the state’s credit rating, have passed job-killing and anti-police legislation, and all of that needs to change. My experience on the Madison County Board, as a parent, and as a small business owner is what I will take to the Senate. I think it is important that we elect leaders who will fight for local control and ethics reform and against the Chicago machine politics that has done so much damage to our state’s reputation.” 

If elected, what would be your priority in Springfield?

“Simply put, I want to lower the cost of living, fight crime, stand up against corruption. The problems facing the state are bigger than what one senator can fix on their own. However, I am going to work very hard to build relationships with senators and representatives in both parties to move the ball forward to cap and lower property taxes, lower the gas tax, renegotiate the Climate & Equitable Jobs Act, and pass a truly balanced budget. I share concern about inflation and the cost of living rising so quickly, and would like to be a part of legislation which would help ease stress over these issues that affect people every single day. Personally, I am very passionate about small business and I believe that there are several initiatives that can help new entrepreneurs navigate the hurdles of starting their own small business project.” 

How would you describe your political ideology?

“I consider myself to be an independent, but conservative, person. I believe that government in Illinois has grown too intrusive and too large, which has resulted in higher taxes, fewer jobs, slower growth, and more corruption. The governing philosophy promoted by Chicago Democrats has failed the people and raised the cost of living for working families. My view of politics is that one’s first responsibility as an elected official is to the constituents in the district and not to a political organization, or faction. I am reform-minded, which means simply that the status quo in Illinois must change, that we are heading down a dangerous path financially, and that both parties need to speak out against the graft and self-dealing that has given our state such a poor reputation.” 

What are the biggest threats facing Illinoisans?

“Illinois has one of the highest combined tax rates of any state in the country. We have the worst credit rating, suffer from out-migration, and struggle to fund our schools and core services. This election gives me hope. If voters in Illinois can successfully elect reform-minded leaders who will stand up to the Chicago machine, reduce spending, cut taxes, and empower local government we can begin to turn the ship back in the right direction. If not, it will be increasingly difficult for our great state to avert a financial and social disaster brought on by decades of failed democratic policies.” 

What do you think of your opponent? 

“He has never held public office, but has devoted time to community service. While my opponent and I agree on the vital role of law enforcement in protecting our communities, the need to reduce crime, and the failure of the SAFE-T Act, we differ in one very important respect: Kris was not elected in a primary, he was hand-picked by a Chicago boss to serve the Democrat political machine, whereas I believe in putting my state before my party. I have a track record of being an independent voice on the county board and I will never be beholden to anyone above the constituents I represent. Should my opponent win, the Democratic Majority in Springfield will have one more loyal vote for their progressive agenda and the Metro East will, once again, be an afterthought. Kris Tharp will never stand up against the politicians who put him in power.” 

Can you describe your family life?

“My husband Jeff and I live in Glen Carbon with our three children, Ryan, Julia, and Emerson, and our two dogs, Penny and Teddy. All of my children attend public schools. My parents are Madison County natives and I was I was born and raised here. I attended high school in Edwardsville, played tennis in high school and college, and graduated from SIUE in 1999 with a degree in Public Relations. The metro East has always been my home. I am grateful to be raising my family here but am worried that the same future will not be open for my children. I hope that through the State Senate I may be able to work toward a bright future for all of our children in Illinois.” 

Are you involved in any meaningful organizations or charities in your community?

“In 2020, I was honored to receive the MLK Jr. Humanitarian Award from Bishop John Williams of New Shining Light Outreach Ministry for service as an elected official. I have been an active member and youth group leader at Metro Community Baptist Church for nearly 25 years, have volunteered with various local charity organizations, and am a regular supporter of Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) and Compassion International."