Raymond L. Harris Sr. qualified to run for Mayor of Statesboro Monday during the first day of qualifying for the city’s municipal elections.
According to a press release, Harris seeks to “leverage his unique combination of military discipline, technical acumen, business expertise, and law enforcement experience to deliver results for the City of Statesboro. He will strive to return the power of government to the hands of the people.”
“As Mayor, I will work to find solutions to stop wasteful spending at City Hall and put an end to unnecessary tax increases. Our families work hard for every dollar, and the government should respect that by living within its means—just like the people it serves. I will guide our city forward while fostering transparency. I pledge to work hand-in-hand with Bulloch County leadership to ensure that every decision reflects the will and best interests of our citizens. Together, we will build a Statesboro that works for everyone.”
From his campaign press release:
Mr. Harris is a Disabled Veteran of the United States Army. He served six years on active duty and one year in the U.S. Army Reserves. He developed exceptional skills that will serve him well as Mayor: strategic planning, decision-making under pressure, team leadership, and adaptability. His military service included leadership in high-stakes environments, equipment maintenance, and advanced training in electronics and tactical operations, earning him multiple medals for excellence.
Following his honorable discharge, Raymond continued his commitment to service as a volunteer with the Georgia State Defense Force. He later transitioned into civilian roles where his discipline and technical expertise proved invaluable. He has held key information technology (IT) positions with organizations such as Kaiser Permanente, J.M. Huber, Inc., and Bellsouth, providing advanced technical support, project leadership, and systems administration. His expertise includes system upgrades, hardware and software troubleshooting, and network security for large-scale operations.
Raymond’s career brings important skills he will utilize as Mayor, such as adaptability and customer service excellence. A strong communicator and problem solver, Raymond thrives in diverse team settings, whether collaborating with executives, coordinating with technical specialists, or leading high-performance teams.
He also has more than a decade of experience in business marketing, web design, and automotive sales, consistently exceeding sales targets while building lasting client relationships. Additionally, his tenure with the Bulloch County Sheriff’s Office showcased his ability to manage security operations, inmate supervision, and crisis response in a corrections environment. Raymond holds an NRA Instructor Certification in pistol, shotgun, rifle, and home firearm safety. His extensive training also includes FEMA emergency management certifications.
“As Mayor, I plan to listen to the people of Statesboro. My campaign is about putting citizens first, restoring accountability, and ensuring that every decision made at City Hall reflects the values of our community. I ask for your support as we work together to build a future where Statesboro is a place of opportunity, safety, and prosperity for all.
“This election is not about me! It is about the citizens of Statesboro. Our families, neighborhoods, and businesses deserve a government that respects their hard work, uses their tax dollars wisely, and makes decisions in the open. Together, we can build a city that reflects the values and priorities of its people. I look forward to listening, learning, and working with you to create a Statesboro that truly works for everyone.”
Harris will face off against incumbent Statesboro Mayor Jonathan McCollar in the November 4, 2025 municipal election. McCollar is winding down his second four-year term in office after winning the seat in 2017. He also qualified to seek re-election Monday morning.
