Jordan Harris
www.pahouse.com/HarrisDemocratic Chair of the PA House Appropriations Committee since Dems took House majority in 2023. Millersville University graduate. South Philadelphia native. Worked in education and youth mentorship. Elected HD-186 in 2012, becoming one of the youngest members. Previously House Democratic Whip. Co-authored Clean Slate Act (Act 56 of 2018) — automatic sealing of certain nonviolent criminal records.
Chance of winning97%
Appropriations Chair in safe Dem seat with deep Philadelphia institutional support, substantial war chest, no visible challenger.
Background
Democratic Chair of the PA House Appropriations Committee since Dems took House majority in 2023. Millersville University graduate. South Philadelphia native. Worked in education and youth mentorship. Elected HD-186 in 2012, becoming one of the youngest members. Previously House Democratic Whip. Co-authored Clean Slate Act (Act 56 of 2018) — automatic sealing of certain nonviolent criminal records.
Stated positions · 5
- Drives state budget negotiations as Appropriations Chair — pushes for increased basic education funding, fair funding implementation, substantial SEPTA funding
- Co-author of PA Clean Slate law and continued advocate for expunction and criminal-justice reform
- Gun safety legislation — universal background checks, extreme-risk protection orders
- Expanded reproductive rights; opposes state restrictions on abortion
- Minority business development, workforce training, investment in underserved South/SW Philadelphia
Pros & cons, honest read
Reasons to support
- Extraordinary institutional power: Appropriations Chair controls state budget flow — rare clout for a Philadelphia legislator
- Major bipartisan legislative record, most notably co-authoring Clean Slate Act (signed 2018), replicated in other states
- Strong ties to Philadelphia's Black political establishment and statewide labor, business, advocacy coalitions
Reasons to be skeptical
- As Appropriations Chair has made compromise deals with Senate Republicans that progressives criticized — school vouchers/Lifeline Scholarships debates, energy policy, pace of minimum-wage increases
- Accepts broad range of corporate, labor, industry PAC contributions consistent with leadership role — progressives flag potential conflicts on energy and gaming
- Criticized by good-government groups over budget-negotiation opacity — systemic PA House issue but special responsibility as chief budget writer
Sources
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