A native of southeastern Massachusetts, Vernon McKinley Harrison was raised by a single mother of four children. Early on, he learned the importance of faith, hard work and personal responsibility. To help support his family, he started his first job at age 14 while studying electronics at Blue Hills Regional Technical Vocational High School in Canton. He continued working through graduation from Brockton High School in 1974.

Vernon started his own electronic service business at the age of 24, which he ran for 15 years. He then moved into the computer industry, and is currently chief technologist for his firm. On the side, he performs as a stand-up comedian.

Vernon learned the difficulties of raising two children as a single parent until he married his wife, Michelle. They currently have four boys and a girl.

Vernon has strong faith in America and its ideals of personal responsibility, hard work, limited government, and the freedom to pursue our goals and dreams.