W
esley Harris, a Mecklenburg County representative, is running for State Treasurer in the upcoming November election. If elected, he would have the power to oversee investments of over $120 billion in state pension funds, making it one of the ten largest U.S. public pension funds.
Harris has filed a Statement of Economic Interest with the state, which shows he has no shares in any public or private companies or North Carolina real estate worth more than $10,000. He earns income as a legislator and from "Beacon Consulting," and has received more than $10,000 from "Economic Consulting Broadband Analysis for California." State legislators are paid around $14,000 per year, plus a per diem of $104 during legislative sessions.
Harris also has separate debts exceeding $5,000 to both a bank and a credit union. His financial situation has not changed since his last filing in January, according to his recent statement. However, he declined to discuss his personal finances, including his income sources and retirement savings. Instead, his campaign manager released a statement discussing his qualifications.
The statement highlights Harris's experience as an economist specializing in public finance, which has allowed him to develop laws benefiting businesses and consumers. He has worked as an economic consultant for one of the world's largest accounting firms, providing complex asset and company valuations. As a three-term member of the North Carolina House of Representatives and the only PhD Economist in the legislature, he has been the lead member for his party on economic and financial matters.
Harris has been endorsed by several public employee groups, including the State Employees Association of North Carolina. He is running against Brad Briner, a Republican who has worked at Willett Advisors, which manages Michael Bloomberg's personal fortune. Briner has holdings of a home and other real estate in Chapel Hill; more than $10,000 in publicly owned companies; and more than $10,000 in private interests such as Florida Real Estate Value Fund II and two funds affiliated with Atlanta-based private equity firm Battle Investment Group.
The race for State Treasurer is one of eight Council of State races that are typically closely contested but receive limited public notice. The current State Treasurer, Dale Folwell, is stepping down after losing in the Republican gubernatorial primary.
Harris's campaign manager, Grayson Barnette, released a statement today emphasizing his qualifications and experience. Voters, business owners, and entrepreneurs recognize his unique skills and experience, which distinguish him from his opponent. As a PhD Economist specializing in public finance, Harris has developed laws benefiting businesses and consumers in the marketplace. He has worked as an economic consultant for one of the world's largest accounting firms, providing complex asset and company valuations. As a three-term member of the North Carolina House of Representatives and the only PhD Economist in the legislature, he has been the lead member for his party on economic and financial matters, making him one of the most qualified voices in North Carolina politics on the impact of the state budget, especially as it applies to the pension plan and State Health Plan. This is why the groups that depend on the pension and health plan have all chosen to endorse Harris over his opponent. These include The North Carolina Association of Educators, the State Employees Association of North Carolina, the Professional Firefighters and Paramedics of North Carolina, and the Police Benevolent Association of North Carolina. Harris takes his responsibility to protect the livelihoods of those who protect our families very seriously.
