Rep. Mark Harris is running for re-election to represent North Carolina's 8th Congressional District in the Nov. 3, 2026, general election.

Harris, a Republican, has served in the U.S. House since 2025, according to his congressional biography. He faces two challengers. Democrat Colby Watson and Green Party candidate Robert Whitehead are also on the ballot, according to BallotReady election data.

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
  • Education: Bachelor's in political science, Appalachian State University (1987); master's in divinity, Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary; doctorate in divinity
  • Family: Married to Beth, his college sweetheart. Three adult children and eleven grandchildren, according to his congressional biography

Experience and public service

Harris sits 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.

Before entering Congress, Harris served as a pastor at several churches, including First Baptist Charlotte, Curtis Baptist Church (2000–2005), Center Grove Baptist Church and Trinity Baptist Church, according to BallotReady profile data and his campaign website. He also served as president of the North Carolina Baptist Convention from 2011 to 2013, according to his campaign website.

On the issues

Harris has outlined positions on several policy areas on his campaign issues page. All positions below are the candidate's own stated views.

Border security and immigration: Harris says he is committed to strengthening border security, supporting advanced technology at the border and enforcing immigration laws. He has called current border conditions "unprecedented challenges for our nation," according to his campaign website.

Education: Harris says he supports parental choice in education. He says families should be free to choose public, private, charter or homeschool options. He says he will push for local control and flexibility in education policy.

Public safety: Harris says he supports strict law enforcement and holding criminals accountable. He says his goal is ensuring North Carolinians "can live, work, and thrive in a secure and peaceful environment," according to his campaign website.

National defense and veterans: Harris says his father's World War II service inspires his commitment to a strong military. He says he supports honoring servicemembers during and after their service.

Economy: Harris says he wants to reduce costs for taxpayers and increase take-home pay for families in the 8th District, according to his campaign website.

Harris has also stated he believes in "the sanctity of all human life, from conception to natural end," according to his campaign website. He has said he led the effort for North Carolina's 2012 marriage amendment, according to his campaign website.

Harris, Watson and Whitehead will appear on the general election ballot for this seat.