Rep. Harris, Cody

Biography

Cody Harris is a bold, conservative leader who has established lasting relationships in the Texas House of Representatives over the last four legislative sessions. He is both proud and grateful to serve the constituents of Texas House District 8 which comprises Anderson, Cherokee, Henderson and Navarro counties.

A lifelong Texan, Cody is a 5th generation resident of East Texas where his values were first planted and nourished. His ancestral roots were established in Freestone County just after the Civil War. Along the Trinity River at Cayuga, his great-grandfather served as the last operator of the Wildcat Ferry, and it is that heritage that helps guide his decision making for the prosperity and protection of rural life in Texas.

Cody entered the Texas House in 2019 and has become a quiet and cohesive leader who has ushered in landmark bills that directly impact lives across the state. He is at the forefront for water funding, nuclear research and implementation, ibogaine accessibility for veterans and pharmacy reforms.

During the 89th session he was appointed chairman of the Natural Resources Committee where he authored HJR 7 and sponsored SB 7 to make significant, strategic investments in the state’s water infrastructure as well as in securing new water sources. He led the charge to deliver hope for our heroes by sponsoring SB 2308 to make sure that Texas leads on ibogaine treatment—a therapy that can help veterans reclaim their lives. And with HB 14 he helped create the Texas Advanced Nuclear Development Office to invest in advanced reactors and workforce development while helping secure our electric grid.

He also served on the Calendars Committee and the Licensing and Administrative Procedures Committee. He was appointed by Governor Abbott to serve as the Commissioner of the Southwestern States Water Commission and was the co-chair of the State Water Implementation Fund for Texas Advisory. He was also appointed to serve on the Energy Council and is a founding member of the Texas House Nuclear Caucus.

During prior sessions he has served as the Chairman of the Local & Consent Calendars Committee, on the Energy Resources Committee, Agriculture & Livestock Committee, Public Education Committee, House Administration Committee and the Select Committee on Educational Opportunity & Enrichment.

He was awarded the 2025 Rainmaker of the Year award from the Texas Water Foundation and Legislator of the Year by the Texas Nuclear Alliance. He also received the Snorting Bull Freedom Fighter Award from the Texas State Rifle Association.

Proud parents, Cody and his wife, Taylor, have three sons and one daughter. The family is active at First Baptist Church where he serves as a deacon. A graduate of Texas A&M University, he has an extensive background in real estate and banking. He is also a graduate of the Texas Agricultural Lifetime Leadership (TALL) Program, former president of the Palestine YMCA Board of Directors, former president of the Palestine Young Professionals Network and a former member of the Palestine Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors.