State Sen. Ed Harbison’s son to run for his seat after retirement announcement
State Sen. Ed Harbison’s (D-Columbus) son, Edward D. Harbison, announced Thursday that he will run for his father’s seat in the Georgia Senate.
Ed Harbison announced his retirement Wednesday after serving District 15 since 1993. He is the longest-serving member in this year’s Georgia Senate.
Edward D. Harbison has more than two decades of experience in public policy, community outreach and strategic planning, according to a news release from his campaign.
“For more than thirty years, my father has served this district with dedication and integrity,” Edward D. Harbison said in the release. “I am honored to step forward to continue serving the people of Senate District 15.”
His 24 years of experience includes working with statewide strategic planning initiatives to strengthen families and improve access to healthcare, financial planning, insurance services and community development programs, according to the release.
Last week, he retired from the Georgia Department of Human Services as a public policy specialist with 25 years of service, his campaign communications director, Charonda Huff, told the Ledger-Enquirer. Now, he is CFO, human resources director and public policy specialist for the Harbison Covenant Healthcare Institute., she said
Edward D. Harbison attended Tuskegee University and is a U.S. Air Force veteran. He served in the Aeromedical Evacuation Command as a flight nurse and pararescueman, the release says.
If elected, his legislative priorities, according to the news release, are:
- Expanding services and support for veterans
- Improving access to healthcare, including women’s and men’s health initiatives
- Investing in transportation and infrastructure improvements
- Promoting economic development and job creation
- Strengthening Georgia’s agricultural awareness and support systems
- Advancing renewable energy initiatives, including solar, wind and electric infrastructure
- Increasing access to affordable housing
- Supporting strong public education systems for Georgia’s students.
He decided to run to continue the work he has done to bring people together and find practical solutions to improve lives, along with ensuring communities have strong representation, Edward D. Harbison said in the news release.
“Public service is not just a profession for me — it is a calling,” Harbison said. “I believe in building stronger families, stronger communities and a stronger Georgia.”
This story was originally published March 5, 2026 at 12:19 PM.
