Andy Harris Bio, Age, Education, Wife, Kids, Congress, Re-election, Latest News & Net Worth

Andy Harris Biography

Andy Harris is an American physician and Republican politician representing Maryland’s 1st Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives. Born on January 25, 1957, in Brooklyn, New York, Andrew Peter Harris built his career in medicine before entering politics. His parents immigrated to the United States from Eastern Europe after World War II.

Harris attended Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, where he earned his undergraduate degree and medical degree. He later completed a Master of Health Science at the same institution. Subsequently, he specialized in anesthesiology and worked at Johns Hopkins Hospital for nearly three decades. He also served in the U.S. Navy Reserve from 1988 to 2005, reaching the rank of commander.

Harris entered politics in 1998 when he ran for the Maryland State Senate. He served in the state legislature from 1999 to 2011, representing districts in Baltimore and Harford counties. Although he lost his first congressional election in 2008, he won Maryland’s 1st Congressional District in 2010. He began serving in the U.S. House in January 2011.

Throughout his congressional career, Harris has promoted conservative policies and fiscal restraint. He serves on the House Appropriations Committee, including its agriculture-related subcommittee. Moreover, he became chairman of the House Freedom Caucus in September 2024, strengthening his influence among conservative Republicans.

Harris has five children and ten grandchildren. After his first wife, Mary “Cookie” Harris, died, he married Nicole Beus Harris in 2017. His family life remains important, and he enjoys spending time on the Chesapeake Bay and restoring old cars. Meanwhile, his political career continues to attract attention as he seeks another congressional term in the 2026 elections.

Andy Harris Age: How Old is Andy Harris?

Andy Harris is 69 years old as of 2026. The American politician was born on January 25, 1957, in Brooklyn, New York. Harris is a Republican representative for Maryland’s 1st Congressional District. Before entering politics, he built a career as a physician and served in the U.S. Navy Reserve. His medical background later shaped his public service and political career.

Andy Harris Height: How Tall is Maryland Congressman?

Andy Harris’s height remains unverified in publicly available biographical records. The American politician represents Maryland’s 1st Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives. Although official profiles detail his medical background, military service, and political career, they do not provide his height in feet or centimeters. Therefore, readers should rely on verified biographical information rather than unconfirmed physical measurements.

Andy Harris Education

Andy Harris attended Johns Hopkins University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in human biology in 1977. He then completed his Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) in 1980 at the university’s School of Medicine. Additionally, Harris earned a Master of Health Science (M.H.S.) in 1995, focusing on health policy, management, and health finance. His strong medical education prepared him for a career as an anesthesiologist before entering politics.

Andy Harris Ethnicity

Andy Harris is of Hungarian and Polish ancestry, reflecting his parents’ Eastern European heritage. The American politician was born in Brooklyn, New York, on January 25, 1957. His father, Zoltán Harris, immigrated from Hungary, while his mother, Irene, came from a Polish background. Both parents fled communist Eastern Europe after World War II and eventually settled in the United States. Consequently, Harris has Hungarian-American and Polish-American roots. His family’s experiences under communism also influenced his conservative political beliefs and public service.

Andy Harris Family: Parents & Siblings

Andy Harris was born to Zoltán Harris and Irene Koczerzuk Harris, immigrants from Hungary and Ukraine’s broader Eastern European region. His father faced imprisonment in a Soviet gulag because of his anti-communist political views. Meanwhile, his mother fled Eastern Europe before meeting him in Austria. Andy grew up in Queens, New York, alongside three brothers. However, publicly available biographical sources do not reliably identify his siblings by name.

Andy Harris Wife | Spouse: Nicole Beus Harris

Andy Harris is married to Nicole Beus Harris, a political consultant and Republican Party leader. The couple married in 2017 after Harris lost his first wife, Sylvia “Cookie” Harris, in August 2014. Nicole previously worked in marketing and political campaigns before becoming chairwoman of the Maryland Republican Party in January 2023. She also has a son from an earlier relationship. Meanwhile, Andy has five children from his first marriage. Together, they share a blended family and live in Maryland, where Harris continues his congressional career.

Andy Harris’s first wife was Sylvia “Cookie” Harris (née Payne), whom he married for more than three decades. She supported his political career and actively advocated for pro-life causes in Maryland. Additionally, Cookie worked with Maryland Right to Life, organizing events and supporting its outreach activities. The couple raised five children: Joseph, Rebecca, Irene, Jessica, and Daniel. Sadly, Cookie died unexpectedly on August 28, 2014, shortly before her 58th birthday. Her family and community remembered her for her faith, generosity, and commitment to family life.

Andy Harris Children | Kids

Andy Harris, the Republican congressman from Maryland, is the father of five children with his late wife, Sylvia “Cookie” Harris. Their children are Joe, Becky, Irene, Jessica, and Daniel. Although Harris maintains a busy political career, he values spending time with his family. In addition, he enjoys repairing old cars with his sons. Harris later remarried Nicole Harris in 2017, becoming stepfather to her son, David. His family has grown to include grandchildren, reflecting his close family ties. However, his children generally maintain private lives outside his public congressional career.

Andy Harris Early Career | Anesthesiologist Experience

Andy Harris built a long medical career before entering politics. After earning his medical degree from Johns Hopkins University in 1980, he specialized in anesthesiology. He later became chief of obstetric anesthesiology at Johns Hopkins Hospital, focusing on anesthesia care for women during childbirth. Harris also served as an associate professor of anesthesiology and critical care medicine, combining clinical practice with medical education. Additionally, he practiced at Johns Hopkins and other facilities across Maryland. His experience as a physician shaped his understanding of healthcare delivery and later influenced his work on health policy in Congress.

Andy Harris Military Service | U.S Navy Reserve

Andy Harris joined the U.S. Navy Reserve Medical Corps in 1988, responding to a shortage of anesthesiologists. As a military physician, he established and commanded the Johns Hopkins Medical Naval Reserve Unit. In 1990, his unit received orders for active duty during Operation Desert Shield, later supporting Operation Desert Storm. At Bethesda Naval Hospital, Harris and his team provided medical care to military personnel, veterans, and returning prisoners of war. He continued serving in the Naval Reserve for approximately 17 years. During his military career, Harris achieved the rank of Commander (O-5) before leaving the Reserves.

Andy Harris Political Career | Maryland Senate & Congress

Andy Harris began his political career in 1998, when he ran for Maryland’s State Senate. He won election and served from 1999 to 2011, representing districts in Baltimore and Harford counties. During this period, he served as Senate Minority Whip and worked on healthcare, education, and environmental issues. In 2010, Harris won election to the U.S. House of Representatives, representing Maryland’s First Congressional District since January 2011. As a Republican, he serves on the House Appropriations Committee. Additionally, he became House Freedom Caucus chairman in September 2024, strengthening his leadership role among conservative lawmakers.

Andy Harris Political Party | Republican Affliation

Andy Harris is a member of the Republican Party and represents Maryland’s First Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives. He first won his congressional seat in 2010 and has continued serving as a Republican lawmaker. Additionally, Harris supports conservative policies and holds a leadership position as chairman of the House Freedom Caucus, a group of conservative Republican representatives. His political priorities include healthcare, government spending, agriculture, and federal policy. Through his congressional work, Harris remains a prominent Republican figure in Maryland and national conservative politics.

Andy Harris Maryland Congress | Policies & Committees

Andy Harris represents Maryland’s First Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives. First elected in 2010, the Republican congressman focuses on healthcare, agriculture, federal spending, and conservative policies. He serves on the House Appropriations Committee, which oversees federal funding. Additionally, Harris chairs its Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Subcommittee. He also serves on the Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies Subcommittee. As chairman of the House Freedom Caucus, Harris influences conservative legislative priorities and debates over government spending and federal policy.

Andy Harris Voting Record

Andy Harris’s voting record reflects his conservative Republican positions in the U.S. House of Representatives. Representing Maryland’s First Congressional District since 2011, he regularly supports Republican legislative priorities. During the 119th Congress, Harris voted with his party on 96% of party-splitting votes, according to Capitol Lens data through September 16, 2026. He also voted with President Donald Trump’s stated position on 95% of applicable votes during that period. His voting record covers federal spending, healthcare, agriculture, immigration, and national security. However, individual votes vary by legislation, so readers should review specific bills for context.

Andy Harris Re-election 2026: Campaigns, Polls & Opponent

Andy Harris is seeking re-election in 2026 to represent Maryland’s First Congressional District. The Republican incumbent won his party’s June 23 primary with 79.7% of the vote, defeating Chris Bruneau. He will face Democratic nominee Dan Schwartz in the November 3 general election. Harris campaigns on fiscal responsibility, conservative policies, and support for President Donald Trump’s agenda. Meanwhile, a July 2026 poll found Harris leading Schwartz 52% to 39% among likely voters. However, this result reflects one poll, not a guaranteed outcome. Harris’s campaign finances and the district’s Republican lean favor his re-election bid.

Andy Harris Latest News: Student Journalist Clash After 2026 Debate

Andy Harris made headlines in October 2026 after a heated debate with Democratic challenger Dan Schwartz in Cambridge, Maryland. Following the October 13 debate, Harris clashed with Cat Murphy, a University of Maryland student journalist covering the event. Harris cited Maryland’s two-party consent law and threatened legal consequences if she continued recording him. However, media-law experts argued that the law generally protects private conversations, not exchanges in public settings. The confrontation sparked debate about press freedom and accountability. Meanwhile, Harris’s tense exchanges with audience members during the debate also attracted attention.

Andy Harris Salary

Andy Harris earns an annual salary of $174,000 as a U.S. Representative in 2026. This standard salary applies to most members of the U.S. House of Representatives. As Maryland’s First Congressional District representative, Harris receives the same base congressional pay as other rank-and-file lawmakers. However, his salary differs from his personal net worth and investment income. His previous career as a Johns Hopkins anesthesiologist also contributed to his professional earnings before Congress.

Andy Harris Net Worth

Andy Harris’s estimated net worth is approximately $5.2 million, according to Quiver Quantitative’s June 2026 estimate. The Maryland Republican congressman accumulated wealth through his medical career, investments, and retirement accounts. His financial disclosures list substantial holdings in mutual funds and retirement investments, including Vanguard and TIAA accounts. However, congressional disclosures report asset values within ranges rather than exact figures. Therefore, estimates may vary depending on calculation methods and reported liabilities. Harris’s estimated net worth reflects publicly disclosed financial information, not a confirmed personal valuation.

Andy Harris Quick Facts

Full Name: Andy Peter Harris
Date of Birth: January 25, 1957
Age: 69 years old (as of 2026)
Birthplace: Brooklyn, New York, United States
Nationality: American
Political Party: Republican
Occupation: Politician and former anesthesiologist
Current Position: U.S. Representative for Maryland’s 1st Congressional District
Years in Congress: Since 2011
Education: Johns Hopkins University
Wife: Nicole Harris
Children: Five children and one stepson
Estimated Net Worth: Approximately $5.2 million
Annual Salary: $174,000