By Asia Nail
The Truth Reporter
This November, voters have a rare chance to write a new chapter—literally.
What if I told you that one pen—yours—could change the future of an entire city?
This November, Toledo voters have a unique opportunity. You won’t see his name printed on the ballot. But if you’re paying attention around town, you’ve definitely seen the signs:
“Write In HAROLD HARRIS for Mayor.”
HAROLD HARRIS isn’t your typical candidate. He’s not part of the political machine. He’s a retired U.S. Air Force veteran, a lifelong Toledoan, and a man who says this race isn’t about power—it’s about people.
And if you think a write-in candidate can’t win? Think again.
Yes, Write-In Candidates Have Won Before
Across the country, underdog write-ins have pulled off stunning victories:
- Lisa Murkowski (Alaska) made U.S. history in 2010 when she won re-election to the U.S. Senate as a write-in—one of the only people in American history to do it statewide.
- In Pocomoke City, Maryland, Chuck Moore forgot to file his paperwork—but the people loved him so much, they wrote in his name and made him mayor anyway.
- In 2021, a man named Calvin Brown won a seat on the city council in Arkansas as a write-in after voters said, “We trust him. Period.”
Each of those races had one thing in common: The people didn’t wait for permission. They showed up, wrote the name in, and changed the game.
Now it’s Toledo’s turn. And the name to write? HAROLD HARRIS.
One Name to Remember
Write-in campaigns aren’t just rare—they’re hard. But Harold Harris is ready for the challenge.
“I know I’ll have to work twice as hard just to get the word out,” he said. “But that’s okay. I’m not afraid of hard work. And if enough people believe in this vision, we can do something historic together.”
He knows many people have never written in a name on a ballot before, and he wants to make it as simple as possible. “When you get to the section for mayor, just take your time, and write in: HAROLD HARRIS. First name, last name. That’s it. That’s how we make this real.”
A Veteran for the People
When I asked HAROLD HARRIS what made him decide to run, he didn’t talk about power or politics. He talked about everyday people.
“I didn’t plan on this,” he said. “I am retired. But folks kept coming up to me—neighbors, community members—and saying, ‘Harold, you should run. We need someone we trust in office.’”
Harold Harris served 20 years in the U.S. Air Force during the Vietnam, peacetime and Gulf War eras. After that, he worked a variety of jobs, then retired fully. But when he looked around our city, the one he was born in and has lived in for over 60 years, he said he couldn’t stay quiet any longer.
“I’ve seen parts of Toledo that have been left behind,” he said. “I’ve seen people asking for help and not getting answers. I knew I had to do something.”
Not Just a Mayor—The People’s Mayor
Harold Harris calls himself “The People’s Mayor,” and he means it.
“If you write in my name, you’re hiring me to do a job,” he said. “And my job is to work for you.”
He wants to bring leadership that’s about listening, not lecturing. Service, not status.
“Too many politicians forget who they work for,” he said. “If the people put me in, I’m showing up for them—every day.”
Real Plans, Real Leadership
What will he focus on first?
- Gun violence and community safety. “Many neighborhoods sound like war zones. That’s not normal,” he said. “We need officers who build relationships, not just respond to crime.”
- Better roads, not just in wealthy neighborhoods. “Everyone deserves safe, drivable streets.”
- Transparency in spending. “The people deserve to know where every dollar goes.”
And above all, a mayor who sees and serves everyone.
A Campaign for All
Harold Harris wants voters to know—this isn’t just about one part of town. It’s not about one race, one income level, or one group of people.
“Whether you live in Old Orchard or the East Side, whether you’re Black, White, Latino, Asian—this city belongs to all of us,” he said. “I don’t look at skin color. I look at people. And I believe we can do better—for everybody.”
Why It Matters Right Now
Let’s be honest: people are tired. Tired of broken promises. Tired of feeling like nothing ever changes. But HAROLD HARRIS believes this election is different.
“This is your moment,” he said. “This is how we take the city back. One vote at a time. One name at a time.”
All it takes is writing in HAROLD HARRIS.
That’s it. No special form. No complicated process.
Just these simple words on your ballot:
HAROLD HARRIS.
Be Part of the Movement
You can do more than vote. You can tell a friend. Call your auntie. Text your cousins. Post it online. Put it in the group chat. Remind people:
“Hey, don’t forget—you have to physically write in HAROLD HARRIS for Mayor.”
Because this election isn’t just about politics—it’s about power.
Your power.
Our power.
And if enough of us rise up and write his name in, we won’t just be casting votes—we’ll be making history.
Learn more about the campaign and how to write in HAROLD HARRIS at haroldharrisfortoledo.com.