Napoleon Harris is a Democratic member of the Illinois State Senate who has represented District 15 since 2013 and is seeking re-election on November 3, 2026.[1][2] Before entering the Senate he played linebacker in the NFL from 2002 to 2009, and he owns and operates two Beggars Pizza stores.[1]
Harris graduated from Thornton Township High School in 1997 and earned a bachelor's degree from Northwestern University.[1] According to Ballotpedia, his professional experience includes playing linebacker in the NFL from 2002 to 2009 and owning and operating two Beggars Pizza stores, and he was one of 13 people identified as having played in at least one Super Bowl before running for elected office or serving in government.[1]
Harris succeeded James Meeks in the Illinois State Senate in 2013.[1] For the 2025-2026 legislative term, Ballotpedia lists his committee assignments as Energy and Public Utilities, Senate Executive, Senate Insurance, Local Government, Pensions (vice-chair) and Administrative Rules.[1] He advanced from the Democratic primary on March 17, 2026.[1]
Researched from the cited sources on 2026-10-21. Not yet independently fact-checked.