Edward D. Harbison to Seek Georgia Senate Seat After Father’s Retirement

Edward D. Harbison, a longtime public policy specialist and veteran public servant, announced Thursday that he will qualify Friday as a candidate for Georgia’s 15th Senate District following the retirement of his father, longtime state Sen. Ed Harbison.

Ed Harbison, who first won election in 1992 and began serving the following year, recently announced he will retire after more than three decades representing communities across West Georgia and the Chattahoochee Valley, making him one of the longest-serving members of the Georgia State Senate.

Edward Harbison said he is seeking the seat to continue a legacy of service while bringing his own experience in public policy and community development to the role.

“For more than 30 years, my father has served this district with dedication and integrity,” Harbison said. “I am honored to step forward to continue serving the people of Senate District 15.”

Harbison brings more than two decades of experience working on statewide strategic planning and community outreach initiatives designed to strengthen families and expand access to public resources, including health care, financial planning, insurance services and community development programs.

“For me, Georgia’s strength begins with strong families,” he said. “Throughout my career I have worked to bring people together around practical solutions that improve lives.”

A veteran of the United States Air Force, Harbison served in the Aeromedical Evacuation Command as a flight nurse and pararescueman supporting Special Operations Command, Air Combat Command and Strategic Air Command.

He attended Tuskegee University and is a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc..

During his career, Harbison has received several honors recognizing his public service, including the Governor’s Public Service Award for Strategic Community Outreach and the Georgia Department of Human Services Division of Child Support Services Impact Award. The Georgia Department of Human Services also recognized his work in strategic planning and community outreach initiatives.

Harbison describes himself as a lifelong public servant, citing 26 years of federal military service along with his work with the state Department of Human Services.

If elected, he said his legislative priorities would include expanding services for veterans, improving access to health care, investing in transportation and infrastructure, promoting economic development and job creation, strengthening support for Georgia agriculture, advancing renewable energy initiatives, increasing access to affordable housing and supporting strong public education systems.

Harbison, a husband and father of two, remains active in mentorship and community outreach programs across Georgia.

“Public service is not just a profession for me — it is a calling,” he said. “I believe in building stronger families, stronger communities and a stronger Georgia.”