He served as an assistant West Virginia Attorney General before serving one term in the West Virginia Senate.
Congress
After Republican congressman, Cleve Benedict, gave up his seat after one term to run against SenatorRobert Byrd, Harley Staggers Jr. ran for the seat and won. He was reelected four more times, defeating Oliver Luck in his fourth re-election.
Defeat
Harley Staggers Jr. lost his seat after West Virginia lost one congressional seat following the 1990 Census. Most of his former 2nd District's territory was merged with the Charleston-based 3rd District of fellow Democrat Bob Wise to form a new 2nd District. However, his home in Mineral County was drawn into the 1st District, represented by fellow Democrat Alan Mollohan. Staggers opted to challenge Mollohan in the Democratic primary and was defeated.