I’m Otis Harris, Jr.—a lifelong Madisonian, a father of two, and someone who believes leadership starts by showing up.

My children are at the center of my life. One is learning how to navigate the world with hearing loss, resilience, and courage. The other manages a chronic health condition that requires daily care, advocacy, and vigilance. Being their father has shaped how I see systems—not as abstract policies, but as real forces that either support families or make life harder than it needs to be.

Every day, I experience firsthand how housing stability, healthcare access, education, transportation, and mental health services intersect. I’ve learned how much strength families carry—and how often they are asked to carry too much alone.

Professionally, my work has been rooted in community service, youth development, and family advocacy. I’ve spent years listening to people who feel overlooked, navigating systems that don’t always work as intended, and helping individuals find dignity, stability, and opportunity. That work has taught me that progress doesn’t come from grandstanding—it comes from consistency, accountability, and relationships.

I’m running for Dane County Supervisor because I believe local government should feel closer to the people it serves. It should be accessible. It should listen. And it should act with care and responsibility—especially for families, caregivers, and those who are too often left out of decision-making.

I’m not running to make promises I can’t keep. I’m running to do the work: to ask better questions, to stay connected, and to ensure that policies reflect the real lives of the people who call Dane County home.

This campaign—and this role—is about stewardship. For our neighborhoods. For our families. And for the future we’re building together.