Christian Harris Named Common Cause’s Illinois State Director

Common Cause announced Christian Harris as the new state director in Illinois. In this role, Harris will lead the organization’s work to protect voting rights, advance government accountability, and build civic power across the state with a focus on racial equity.

 

“Christian has spent nearly two decades bringing people together to expand civic participation, strengthen community leadership, and advance policies that give more people a voice in the decisions that affect their lives,” said Common Cause President and CEO Virginia Kase Solomón. “His deep roots in Illinois and proven ability to turn community priorities into meaningful outcomes make him the right leader for this moment to expand our work and deliver results for people across the state.”

 

Harris is an organizer, experienced nonprofit leader, entrepreneur, and public speaker who has worked at the intersection of democracy, racial equity, civic engagement, and systems change. Before joining Common Cause, he served as executive director of Reparation Generation, a national nonprofit advancing reparative policies and programs.

 

“I am humbled to take on this role at such a pivotal moment for voting rights, ethics, and government accountability,” said Harris. “Democracy is an inheritance my ancestors risked their lives and livelihoods to expand against incredible odds. I am honored to carry forward their legacy of resilience by ensuring our government remains accountable to the people it serves, and political power stays in the hands of the people of Illinois.

 

Harris has led political, advocacy, and community-based efforts across Illinois, including founding and chairing the Oak Park Reparations Task Force where he worked closely with elected officials, grassroots organizers, philanthropic institutions, and people across Illinois. He has also worked to advance local and statewide policies focused on equity, accountability, and people power as both a community advocate and as elected Finance Officer and Trustee for the Oak Park Public Library Board.

 

Harris earned a Bachelor of Science in business management with a concentration in entrepreneurship from Bradley University and is based in Chicago.