About Kerri

My name is Kerri Evelyn Harris. I am a veteran, community advocate, and mother; as such, I have dedicated my life to public service. I believe in rolling up my sleeves and putting in the work necessary to help uplift my community, state, and nation.

I come from a diverse, multicultural family that instilled values of equality, opportunity, and respect for all people, regardless of background. My parents were advocates and teachers who nurtured the passion for public service in us. My family history shaped the person I am today and instilled these core values that continue to drive me.

One of my first calls to service came in the aftermath of 9/11. As a loadmaster in the Air Force, I transported troops and equipment from Dover to bases across the Middle East, Europe, and Africa. I witnessed the cost of war. I saw soldiers suffering from PTSD who could not make the trip back overseas. Following the devastation of Hurricane Katrina, I volunteered with Habitat for Humanity, rebuilding houses along the Gulf Coast. I was an airman by day and a volunteer construction worker by night. It was one of the most meaningful times in my life.

I was medically retired in 2008, but not before I saw the diversity, greatness, and challenges faced by societies worldwide. My time in the military reaffirmed the pride I have in the United States of America and the values of freedom, equality, and opportunity that we aspire to but have yet to realize fully.

I returned to civilian life in the depths of the Great Recession. Like millions of Americans, I struggled to make ends meet. I worked odd jobs—from cutting grass to frying chicken at a chain gas station—, and by the grace of God, we were able to keep ourselves housed, clothed, and fed. By day I worked on cars in an auto body shop. Still, when time allowed, I volunteered with the local Red Cross, at homeless shelters and coached my daughter’s soccer team, among other things. My parents taught us to always be of service to others, even in the midst of our struggles, and those lessons kept me moving forward even in times of hardship.

In 2018, I ran for United States Senate because I felt that the experience of the average Delawarean, the average American, was missing in the US Senate chambers. As I worked with community members, I saw that the pain that I felt was specific to my life was, in fact, universal suffering. It was clear to me that there were answers to our problems. However, we were missing champions of the people who understood that we were tired of all the talk because we NEEDED action. So I stood; I stood for my kids, community, and state. I have been standing with and for the people of Delaware ever since.

My life story echoes millions of others who feel called to service to improve our communities for the next generation. Together, we can make a difference because common beliefs remind us that we are all sisters and brothers. We need to lift each other so that all of our communities can thrive.

I am honored to represent the 32nd District because families require a champion who understands their needs and will work to address those needs. It has been my joy to work to pass laws that have a real and positive impact on the lives of people in my district and Delaware as a whole.

Let’s keep going!