Columbus, Georgia — March 5, 2026 — Edward D. Harbison, a longtime public policy specialist and veteran public servant, will officially qualify Friday morning as a candidate for the Georgia State Senate seat representing District 15 following the retirement announcement of his father, longtime State Senator Ed Harbison.
Senator Ed Harbison announced his retirement after more than three decades of service representing communities across West Georgia and the Chattahoochee Valley. First elected in 1992, Senator Harbison has served the district since 1993, becoming one of the longest-serving members of the Georgia State Senate.
Edward D. Harbison enters the race with more than two decades of experience in public policy, community outreach and strategic planning initiatives serving communities across the State of Georgia. “For more than thirty years, my father has served this district with dedication and integrity. I am honored to step forward to continue serving the people of Senate District 15.”
For the past 24 years, Harbison has worked extensively with statewide strategic planning initiatives designed to strengthen families and improve access to public resources including healthcare, financial planning, insurance services and community development programs. His work has focused on connecting families with the tools needed to build long-term stability and opportunity.
“Georgia’s strength begins with strong families,” Harbison said. “Throughout my career I have worked to bring people together around practical solutions that improve lives. I am running to continue that work and ensure our communities have strong representation focused on opportunity, service and results.”
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.
Harbison attended Tuskegee University and is a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. He has received numerous recognitions for his public service, including the Governor’s Public Service Award for Strategic Community Outreach, the Georgia Department of Human Services Division of Child Support Services Impact Award and a Georgia Senate Proclamation recognizing his work in strategic planning and implementation of community outreach initiatives.
Harbison describes himself as a lifelong public servant, having dedicated 26 years to federal military service and work with the State of Georgia’s Department of Human Services.
If elected, Harbison says his legislative priorities will focus on strengthening Georgia communities through:
- 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
Harbison is a husband and father of two children and remains active in community outreach and mentorship programs throughout Georgia.
“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.”
Additional campaign information will be announced in the coming weeks.
Media Contact:
Charonda D. Huff
Communications Director
706-573-4628
HarbisonForSenate@gmail.com