Napoleon Harris
930 W 175th St., Suite 3N Homewood, IL 60430
Committees:
Appellate Court Selection, Candidate Recruitment and Evaluation (Pre-Slating), Circuit Court Selection, Communications, Community Outreach, Statewide Selection
Biography:
Napoleon B. Harris III is a visionary leader and dedicated public servant, currently serving as the state senator for Illinois’ 15th District and the elected Thornton Township Committeeman. Representing a diverse region that spans parts of Cook and Will Counties—including Chicago's 10th Ward, Blue Island, Calumet City, Dolton, South Holland, and Crete—Harris is committed to advancing equity, opportunity, and prosperity in the communities he proudly serves. A product of Thornton Township High School in Harvey, where he was an honor student and tri-star athlete, Harris went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in communications from Northwestern University. He further developed his leadership acumen by completing a post-graduate certificate at Northwestern’s esteemed Kellogg School of Business Management. Harris has devoted his career to tackling critical issues such as public safety, healthcare access, and education reform. He championed the creation of a violent crimes task force in Englewood to address the root causes of violence and develop community-driven solutions. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he worked to expand telehealth services across Illinois, ensuring that underserved communities could access vital healthcare during a time of unprecedented need. Education remains at the heart of Harris’s legislative priorities. Understanding that access to quality training can transform lives, he secured $50 million in funding for South Suburban College’s Allied Health Program. This transformative investment will enhance healthcare education and workforce development, providing residents with cutting-edge training for high-demand medical careers while strengthening the region's healthcare infrastructure. As a legislator, Harris serves as Chair of the Insurance Committee and Vice-Chair of Commerce. His impact is felt across numerous committees, including Energy and Public Utilities, Executive, Health, and Pensions, as well as key subcommittees on Public Health, Redistricting-South Cook County, and regulatory matters for cannabis and tobacco. Before his trailblazing political career, Harris made his mark on the football field. A star linebacker at Northwestern University, he was drafted by the Oakland Raiders and became the starting middle linebacker in Super Bowl XXXVII. Harris later played for the Minnesota Vikings and Kansas City Chiefs during his seven-season NFL career. In 2021, he championed a landmark law that allows Illinois student-athletes to earn compensation for the use of their names, images, and likenesses, creating new opportunities for young athletes to benefit from their talent and hard work. Harris’s achievements are rooted in his commitment to family and community. Married to Nicole since 2006, they are proud parents to three children: Napoleon Harris IV, Noah, and Nahla. A devoted husband, father, and leader, Napoleon B. Harris III remains steadfast in his mission to create safer, healthier, and more prosperous communities across Illinois.