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Rep. Earl Harris, D-East Chicago, was a member of the Indiana House of Representatives from 1982 until he died after an extended illness in March.
INDIANAPOLIS – Donna Harris, the wife of long-time lawmaker Earl Harris, was sworn in on Monday to replace her husband as state representative.
Rep. Donna Harris, D-East Chicago, was chosen by a caucus of Democratic Party leaders in her district to finish her husband’s term, which ends in 2016.
Rep. Earl Harris, D-East Chicago, was a member of the Indiana House of Representatives from 1982 until he died after an extended illness in March.
Harris said she knows her husband would want her to carry on his duties for him.
“We used to discuss state legislative issues every night,” Harris said in a statement. “For many, many years, I have spent nearly every day in the House chamber during session, so I have listened to debate on all of the issues and know the other legislators well.”
A tree on the Statehouse lawn was dedicated in Harris’ memory along with a plaque in the House chamber.
The new Rep. Harris started work just hours after being sworn in.
“I am confident I won’t miss a beat,” Harris said. “I believe I will honor my husband’s memory and be a good representative for House District 2.”
Alec Gray is a reporter for TheStatehouseFile.com, a news website powered by Franklin College journalism students.
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