This week, Now Georgia is running a series of candidate profiles for the open seat of Georgia Senate District 15. This is the first time the seat has been vacant in 33 years.
He was born in Montgomery, Alabama public housing, but when his family moved to Columbus, Georgia, Edward Dean Harbison became ensconced in the community, his country, and public service. The latter could be attributed to shadowing his father, Georgia State Senator for District 15 Ed Harbison during his 33 years under the Gold Dome. As the father is stepping down, the son is stepping up.
Edward Harbison’s background
He graduated from Kendrick High School and Tuskegee University. Harbison also served in the United States Air Force as a flight nurse and pararescueman.
“Following active duty, I became a single parent. For 16 years, I made sure my two sons had a home and stable environment,” said Harbison, “My oldest son is a Non-Commissioned Army officer and my youngest is a nurse in Atlanta,” he explained.
Harbison’s government experience includes 26 years working for Georgia’s Department of Human Services (DHS). He wrote the slogan, which serves as their guiding vision “Stronger Families for a Stronger Georgia.” The department promotes self-sufficiency, safety, and independence for Georgians, including supporting families through services, including Medicaid, SNAP, TANF, child support, and foster care, focusing on building a stronger workforce and supporting communities.’
“In my role with DHS, I applied for a $10 million grant through the American Recovery Reinvestment Act, which we received. The funding helped create new jobs, prevented budget cuts in education, and provided tax cuts to working families,” said Harbison.
After retiring from state government, Edward helped his wife, Kamesha, a Board Certified OBGYN, establish Harbison Covenant Health Care in 2023.
Lessons learned
“I understand the assignment. I’ve learned how our government works. Start locally and matriculate upwards. You don’t build a house from the roof down. I’ve worked these counties included in District 15 for 26 years,” said Harbison.
Lessons also come down from a father who passed down what he learned in life and politics. “Let your enemies be your footstool and build from there, because content and character matter,” according to State Senator Ed Harbison in advice to his son.
“My father taught me how to be a public servant. I want to make him proud.”
You can follow Harbison for Senate on Facebook or email any questions to harbisonforsenate@gmail.com
