He was joined by several other political and community leaders.
Harris is a native of south suburban Dixmoor. He's running for the state's 15th District senate seat, currently held by the Rev. James Meeks, who's not seeking re-election.
Harris played football at Northwestern and in the NFL. He now owns two restaurants in the south suburbs.
The other candidates are Joe Letke, Donna Miller, Pat Mahon and Marquise Alston.