Andrew P. Harris

Andrew P. Harris – Life, Career, and (some) Notable Views

A full biography of Andrew Peter “Andy” Harris (born January 25, 1957), American physician-politician and long-serving U.S. Representative from Maryland. Includes background, political journey, key positions, and influence.

Introduction

Andrew P. “Andy” Harris is an American politician and physician, serving since 2011 as the U.S. Representative for Maryland’s 1st Congressional District. As a member of the Republican Party, he is known for blending his medical background with legislative priorities, often speaking on health, fiscal responsibility, and conservative social issues. His career spans state and national politics, military service, and a dedication to representing the largely rural Eastern Shore of Maryland.

In the following, we explore his early life, medical and political trajectory, major legislative stances, personality, quotes, and broader lessons from his career.

Early Life, Family & Education

Andrew Peter Harris was born on January 25, 1957 in Brooklyn, New York.

He grew up in New York initially and later relocated (or at least split time) in the Baltimore/Maryland region. Regis High School in Manhattan during his secondary schooling.

Harris then enrolled at Johns Hopkins University, where he earned:

• Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in biology (1977)

• Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) in 1980 Later, he added a Master of Health Science (M.H.S.) in health policy & management (1995) from the Johns Hopkins School of Public Health.

His bio also notes that during his medical career, Harris specialized in anesthesiology / obstetric anesthesiology and held faculty or hospital positions at Johns Hopkins.

Military Service & Early Medical Career

Harris served in the U.S. Navy Medical Corps and U.S. Naval Reserve from 1988 to 2005 (or around that span). Commander and was active during Operation Desert Storm.

Concurrently, Harris maintained a medical practice. He worked as an anesthesiologist at Johns Hopkins Hospital (and possibly affiliated institutions) and held academic or leadership responsibilities in his medical field.

This dual career—medicine + military reserve—provided him with credentials and a public service narrative that would undergird his later political appeal.

Political Career: From State to Federal

Maryland State Senate

Harris entered elective politics by winning a seat in the Maryland State Senate in 1998, defeating incumbent Vernon Boozer in the Republican primary.

During his tenure in the state Senate, he was known for conservative positions on social and health policy issues. (State legislative records show him opposing more liberal expansions in healthcare or social policy.)

U.S. House of Representatives

In 2010, Harris ran for the U.S. House, seeking the seat from Maryland’s 1st Congressional District, and won, defeating incumbent Frank Kratovil. January 3, 2011.

He has been reelected multiple times, and as of now continues to represent MD-01, which includes the Eastern Shore region and parts of Baltimore, Harford, and other counties.

In September 2024, Harris became the Chair of the House Freedom Caucus following his predecessor Bob Good’s primary loss.

Committee Assignments & Roles

• Harris sits on the House Appropriations Committee, including subcommittees relevant to Agriculture, Health & Human Services, Homeland Security, etc.

• He often promotes policies combining fiscal conservatism, health care skepticism (especially toward large federal health programs), and strong social conservative stances.

Political Positions & Influence

Below is an overview of some key issues Harris has been associated with, based on his voting record, public statements, and sponsored legislation: