Harrison Reed began his career as a printer before transitioning to merchant and newspaper publishing in Milwaukee. He moved to Washington, D.C., where he worked at the Treasury Department and later became involved in Florida's Reconstruction efforts. Reed was elected Governor of Florida, during which he focused on expanding public education and appointing Jonathan Clarkson Gibbs as the state's first African-American Secretary of State. Despite facing impeachment attempts, Reed continued to serve and was eventually upheld by the state Supreme Court.

Harrison Reed's political career reveals a complex blend of progressive civil rights advocacy and pragmatic governance. His appointment of Jonathan Clarkson Gibbs as Florida's first African-American Secretary of State and his advocacy for freedmen's rights showcase a forward-thinking stance on civil rights. Yet, his legislative focus on expanding public education and increasing the number of public schools suggests a commitment to foundational societal improvements. Despite facing impeachment attempts, Reed's resilience and continued service hint at a calculated approach to navigating political challenges.