Date of birth: Jan. 1, 1960
Residence: Kingsport, Tenn.
Occupation: pharmacist; business owner
Education: Pharm.D., Mercer University College of Pharmacy
Family: husband, Robert; one child; two grandchildren
A pharmacist who was the first member of her family to attend college, Harshbarger will succeed Rep. Phil Roe (R-Tenn.), who announced his retirement in January.
Before eking out a win in the GOP primary earlier this year, Harshbarger worked for six years as a pharmacist in Kingsport, Tenn., and is also an official with the local Chamber of Commerce. Her website also boasts several decades of business ownership experience.
Outside of business, the political newcomer is also active in the local nonprofit community and teaches Sunday school at a local church.
Her victory over Air Force veteran Blair Walsingham (D) in November was seen as unsurprising, as Tennessee’s 1st Congressional District has been held by Republicans since 1881.
-John Bowden