Today we’d like to introduce you to Christopher Harvey.
Christopher, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I am a native of Missouri City, Texas and a proud graduate of Texas Southern University where I received my Bachelor’s in Political Science. My first policy-related job was working for Fort Bend County Commissioner Grady Prestage as his Legislative Affairs and Communications Coordinator. Serving on Commissioner Prestage’s staff gave me a great perspective on how local policy is implemented and the role it plays in people’s everyday lives.
After three years of working in county government, my interest shifted to accomplishing other goals I hope would have lead me to Washington, D.C. One of those goals was to work on a presidential campaign in a battleground state. I felt a little guilt about not doing enough campaign work in 2008 and 2012 to help elect/re-elect President Obama. With that realization, I made sure to not repeat the same mistake during the 2016 presidential election cycle. I was hired on as a Field Organizer for Hillary Clinton’s presidential campaign in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
The 17-hour drive from Houston to Milwaukee was grueling, but I knew the overall experience of working on a presidential campaign would be well worth it. Once the campaign officially ended, I followed my gut instinct and moved to Washington, D.C. in January of 2017. I arrived with no job lined up and no guaranteed housing. Despite those temporary setbacks, I kept myself focused on the goals I initially set out to achieve while in DC. One of those goals was to further my education. I was accepted into the Legislative Affairs master’s degree program at The George Washington University. I eventually was able to secure a full-time legislative position with the National Association of Counties (NACo) after a brief stint as a political/public affairs intern with SKDKnickerbocker.
Another goal of mine was to eventually land a legislative position on Capitol Hill. The opportunity to work at the forefront of the most important policy issues of the day is what fed my desire to be a Hill staffer. After leaving NACo in December 2017, I finally made my way to Capitol Hill. I was blessed in the fact I was able to find an expeditious way to “get my foot in the door” on the Hill. Most people looking for a job on the Hill are not as fortunate to find a position so quickly, and I made sure to not take that for granted. I started as a Legislative Fellow in Congressman Rick Larsen’s (WA-02) office. I then transitioned to Congressman Jim Himes’ (CT-04) office as a Staff Assistant. As we begin 2019, I am excited to have received a promotion to Legislative Assistant in the Office of Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher (TX-07)! What makes this position so special to me is that I get to work on federal policy issues that have an impact on the city I was born and raised in! Congresswoman Fletcher has an ambitious legislative agenda, and issues such as flooding infrastructure, transportation, and healthcare will all be top priorities for her.
There are other goals I have set for myself. I believe those will all come in due time. However, for now, I am focused on doing the best I can to serve my fellow Houstonians.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Absolutely not! As you can recall, we lost the 2016 presidential election. It was a major low point for me because we worked so hard on the campaign. When I moved to DC, there weren’t many job openings for Democrats. I truly went through what many deem the “DC rites of passage.” It took me about three months to finally land a job and get on my feet.
Please tell us more about your work.
As a Legislative Assistant for Congresswoman Fletcher, I am responsible for tracking legislation and other developments in my assigned issue areas and advising the Member through vote recommendations, co-sponsorships, and briefing memorandums. I meet with different constituents and stakeholders (in DC and Houston) concerning various policy issues on behalf of the Congresswoman. In this role, I work closely with committee staff through every step of the legislative process on proposed legislation. Additionally, I conduct specialized research and analysis on key legislative measures of interest to Congresswoman Fletcher.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
Definitely! First, I want to give thanks to my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ! I am not a perfect Christian by any means, but my faith and prayers have brought me a long way. I won’t get into naming people specifically because I might forget someone. If any of my mentors are reading this article, thank you for the time you’ve invested and will hopefully continue to invest in me! You know who you all are! I am truly appreciative of my close friends and frat brothers who have always been supportive of me! Thank you. It means a lot! However, my biggest cheerleaders and supporters would have to be my parents (Lawrence and Wanda Harvey); my sister (Lachelle Pierre); and other members of my family. Their love and support over the years have truly given me the drive to continue moving forward. It’s easy to get lost in the DC bubble but having them by my side has kept me grounded and focused on what’s really important!
Image Credit:
DeAndre Johnson II
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