Take a Long, Honest Look at Andy Harris and Decide by J.E. Dean

Despite being in Congress for more than 15 years and serving as Chair of the House Freedom Caucus, people I encounter who are interested in politics often know little about our Congressman Andy Harris. When I suggest that Maryland’s First District is in severe need of a change in leadership, I am sometimes asked why.

I have my reasons, as do many on the Eastern Shore. My list starts with Congressman Harris carrying a handgun onto the Floor of the House of Representatives on January 21, 2021. I have read a lot about the incident. I still don’t know why he did it.

Many of Harris’ fellow legislators, Republicans and Democrats, were shocked by Harris’ actions. I wasn’t. I was aware of Harris’ vocal support for gun rights. After the gun incident, Andy Harris became Andy “Handgun” Harris.

Andy Harris, of course, has excuses for the incident and, except for Harris’ detractors, it is largely forgotten. That’s unfortunate. The incident tells us a bit about who Harris is—and why he should not be in Congress.

More recently, on September 15 of this year, Harris was participating in a meeting with Speaker Johnson and other House Republican leaders to discuss whether to suspend federal gas and diesel taxes for three months to help Republicans in November. Harris supported the idea, but another Republican reminded him that when President Biden proposed the same thing, Harris opposed it. That call-out led to an eruption of anger by Harris, who fortunately did not have a handgun on him. Harris screamed at the other Republicans, “This is Fucking War,” meaning that Republicans need to do everything they can to survive in November, even setting aside their principles.

So, what else has Andy done to deserve defeat this November?

Remember January 6, 2021? A day that will live in infamy. Andy did not see the Trump-inspired (or led) insurrection as a problem. Andy believed and, to my knowledge, still believes, that Donald Trump won the 2000 election. He enthusiastically joined Trump’s effort to remain in power despite rejection by voters. He joined efforts to challenge the result of the election and voted against certifying electoral college votes of states, including Pennsylvania.

Andy has also fought efforts to hold those responsible for the insurrection accountable. He was against the Congressional January 6 Committee. And when President Trump pardoned all his “January 6 Patriots,” Harris did not complain. Instead, he issued a statement reading, in part, that the Department of Justice “”should no longer be used to investigate, prosecute, or continue to incarcerate those who were on Capitol Grounds that day.”

Another part of Harris’ record also tells us who he is. He was a big supporter of Tennessee Congressman Andy Ogles. Harris’ political action committee made two $5,000 contributions to Ogles, who was defeated in his district’s Republican primary.

What’s wrong with soon-to-be former Congressman Ogles? Like Harris, he is an election denier who supported efforts to overturn the 2024 election. Ogles also lied about his educational credentials, paid his local property taxes late 11 times, and introduced a resolution in January 2025 to allow Donald Trump to seek a third term.

Regardless of your politics, if you believe Trump should serve a third term, please seek medical help—not from Dr. Andy Harris—immediately.

Dr. Harris enjoys the support of controversial special interests. One of them is big tobacco. He accepts PAC contributions from tobacco companies. Isn’t it ironic (as Alanis Morissette might say) that a medical doctor welcomes contributions from the tobacco industry?

I don’t like doctors who are comfortable supporting an industry that kills an estimated 480,000 people in the U.S. each year, especially if they claim to represent me in Congress.

There are, of course, more reasons to vote against Harris in November, not the least of which is that the Democratic candidate, Dan Schwartz, would represent the First District, not Donald Trump or special interests. Schwartz doesn’t accept political action committee contributions, and he is committed to improving life for Eastern Shore residents.

One thing to remember is that Andy Harris is good at one thing—keeping his head down. You won’t find him at town hall meetings, discussing issues with the people who are supposed to be his constituents.

Harris keeps winning reelection because First District voters don’t know enough about him. That’s why it is time to look at Handgun Harris’ record and compare it with that of Dan Schwartz.

And one added bonus—if Democrats win control of the House of Representatives (and, hopefully, the Senate as well), there will be a much-needed check on Donald Trump. King Donald will find it more difficult to start wars, engage in corrupt behavior, and gut the types of government health, education, housing, and infrastructure spending that is needed here on the Eastern Shore.