Journalist: Daniel Geary (TU)
Three star delegate, Sen. Harry Harcrow is slowly turning himself into a rather decorated professional, not only in his life at the University of Tulsa, but also among his peers in the capitol. Harry, the social chair in his fraternity, has now been given the opportunity to expand upon his leadership experience in his recent victory in the election for Deputy President Pro Tempore. Having already served on several committees within chambers, Harry has now surpassed two candidates with higher star counts, Sens. Karson Kuykendall (OSU) and Keila Diaz (OU), and is now set to start his term in the Fall session of 2026.
When interviewed following the election, Harcrow painted a humble picture about the process he had going into his candidacy. Referring to his late announcement and muted effort in campaigning, he said, “it might have been a blessing in disguise…to just have people focus on my ability as a delegate and as a senator rather than as a candidate.” Harcrow has embodied this message in how he comports himself in the Senate.
Harcrow has taken an overt effort this session to meet with zero stars to gather their opinions in caucussing and make them feel welcome in every step of the competition. He feels that him going out of the way to incorporate delegates into the process has made a lasting impression on the Senate body. He also owes a lot of his success to the mentorship that he has gotten along the way.
Former Senate leadership, such as Kai Marron, have given Harry the confidence to seek office at an early stage in his OIL career. Harry said that Marron, along with leaders in his own delegation, commended the example he was setting in chambers and that they could one day see him behind the dais. Looking forward, Harry wants to establish an atmosphere similar to that echoed by Sen. Karter Caves (OSU), one in which speed is prioritized while also fostering an environment of knowledge sharing and supportive learning.