Known For
Known for sponsoring bills on disability healthcare and affordable housing while facing scrutiny over her legislative passage rate in Orange County's District 44.
About
Jennifer 'Rita' Harris, a Queens transplant who settled in Florida in 2002, won her seat in 2022 by ousting incumbent Daisy Morales in the Democratic primary and held it through 2024 amid heated challenges. She sponsored HB 1373 to broaden medical coverage for working people with disabilities and HB 1499 targeting affordable housing solutions, while contributing as secretary of the House Climate and Energy Caucus on wetland preservation and renewable energy initiatives. Endorsed by Ruth's List Florida for her reproductive rights advocacy—despite criticisms of her 2023 session yielding zero passed bills—Harris remains a vocal Democrat in Central Florida's legislative arena. Though her base is Orlando, her pro-choice positions resonate in statewide fights echoed in South Florida's reproductive policy debates. She manages her role alongside family, including husband John and daughter Anissa, with passions for graphic design and local volunteering.
