Mayor Harris Laufer was appointed to the Cannabis Regulatory Commission by Governor Phil Murphy and confirmed by the New Jersey State Senate. He has an extensive background in public service, most recently serving as Senior Advisor to New Jersey Senate President Nicholas P. Scutari. Prior to that, he was Chief of Staff for Senator Raj Mukherji.
With over a decade of government service has also held various roles in both the United States Senate and the New Jersey General Assembly.
Harris’ commitment to public service began in high school, where he actively participated in numerous township committees and boards.
Beyond his government roles, Harris has also been the State Director for New Jersey's largest nonprofit organization, advocating for critical social services and community needs. In this capacity, he successfully secured millions of dollars to address food insecurity, elder care, and security
funding for various communities and nonprofit organizations.
While working with Senator Nicholas Scutari, Harris played a pivotal role as the lead staffer on the Cannabis Regulatory, Enforcement Assistance, and Marketplace Modernization Act (CREAMMA), which legalized adult-use cannabis in New Jersey. He was instrumental in shaping policy through collaboration with legislators, interest groups, and other stakeholders.
In 2023, Harris was elected to the Springfield Township Committee, where he quickly rose to the positions of Deputy Mayor and then Mayor.
A proud graduate of Rutgers University, Harris resides in Springfield with his family.