Diana Harshbarger

Diana Harshbarger
Name	Diana Harshbarger
State	Tennessee
District	1st
Term start	January 3, 2021
Party	Republican
Spouse	Chad Harshbarger
Alma mater	East Tennessee State University (BS), Mercer University (PharmD)
Birth date	1 January 1960
Birth place	Kingsport, Tennessee, U.S.

Diana Harshbarger is an American politician and pharmacist serving as the U.S. Representative for Tennessee's 1st congressional district. A member of the Republican Party, she was first elected in 2020 to succeed the retiring Phil Roe. Harshbarger's career prior to Congress was primarily in the pharmaceutical industry, where she owned and operated a pharmacy in her hometown of Kingsport, Tennessee.

Early life and education

Diana Harshbarger was born in Kingsport, Tennessee, and grew up in the Tri-Cities region. She attended East Tennessee State University, where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree. She later pursued a doctorate in pharmacy from the Mercer University College of Pharmacy. Her educational background in the sciences laid the foundation for her subsequent career in healthcare and business.

Career before Congress

Before entering politics, Harshbarger built a career as a licensed pharmacist and business owner. She founded and operated Preston Pharmacy in Kingsport, gaining firsthand experience in the challenges facing small businesses and the American healthcare system. Her professional work also involved navigating regulations from entities like the Food and Drug Administration and the Drug Enforcement Administration. This period solidified her advocacy for reduced government intervention in private enterprise.

U.S. House of Representatives

Harshbarger was elected to the U.S. House in November 2020, winning the open seat in the heavily Republican 1st district. She was sworn into the 117th United States Congress on January 3, 2021. In the 118th United States Congress, she serves on the House Committee on Education and the Workforce and the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs. Her legislative focus has often centered on issues related to Appalachia, opioid abuse, and veterans' healthcare.

Political positions

Harshbarger is a conservative Republican whose positions align with the House Republican Conference. She is a strong supporter of the Second Amendment and has opposed gun control measures. On fiscal policy, she advocates for lower taxes, a balanced federal budget, and the reduction of national debt. Regarding healthcare, she has criticized the Affordable Care Act and supports free-market solutions. She has also taken a firm stance on immigration, supporting enhanced security for the southern border and the policies of the Trump administration.

Electoral history

In the 2020 Republican primary for Tennessee's 1st district, Harshbarger emerged victorious from a crowded field that included former Johnson City mayor Steve Darden and state representative Timothy Hill. She won the general election on November 3, 2020, defeating Democratic nominee Blair Walsingham. Harshbarger was re-elected in the 2022 election, facing only independent and write-in opposition in the solidly Republican district.

Personal life

Harshbarger is married to Chad Harshbarger, and they have one son. The family resides in Kingsport, Tennessee. She is a member of the National Rifle Association and has been involved with various local community and business organizations in the Tri-Cities area. Her personal and professional life remains centered in East Tennessee.

Category:Members of the United States House of Representatives from Tennessee Category:Tennessee Republicans Category:1960 births Category:Living people