Ed Harbison was born in 1941 in Prattville, Alabama, and raised in Montgomery. He holds educational credentials from the Career Academy School of Broadcasting and Troy State University at Fort Benning. Harbison served four years in the U.S. Marines, earning the Purple Heart, and later graduated from Leadership Columbus. His professional background includes roles in public relations, advertising, and broadcast journalism, where he has garnered multiple awards. Harbison has also held significant leadership positions in education and community service, serving as the second vice-president of the Muscogee County School Board and a member of the Columbus Charter Review Commission.

Ed Harbison's political identity is marked by a distinctive blend of military advocacy and regional pragmatism. His legislative focus on easing barriers for military families and honoring veterans indicates a deep commitment to service members' needs. However, his establishment of a separate court for Veterans in Georgia and the Military Hall of Fame reveals a nuanced approach that balances formal recognition with practical support systems. Harbison's rhetorical style often intertwines personal narratives with policy arguments, making his stances both relatable and authoritative.