Diana Harshbarger: A mother, grandmother, pharmacist and runner for Congress
Published 4:16 pm Monday, July 13, 2020
- File Photo/Congresswoman Diana Harshbarger
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Diana Harshbarger is not a politician, but rather a mother, grandmother and a pharmacist.
Harshbarger is a Kingsport native, and grew up in the town of Bloomingdale. She was the first person in her family to graduate from high school and college. She received her undergraduate degree from ETSU and graduated from pharmacy school at Mercer University.
“I’ve been a practicing pharmacist since 1987 and a small business owner for over 30 years,” she said. “When I wasn’t working in the pharmacy, I was busy raising my family.”
In addition to working and raising her family, Harshbarger said she has taught Sunday school for over 20 years and worked with several nonprofits.
Harshbarger said her decision to run for Congress came after seeing threats of socialism to the country.
“We have many people in Washington D.C. who are advocating for the complete dismantling of our economic and political system in exchange for one (socialism) that would lead to the financial and socioeconomic ruin of our country,” she explained.
“This is the only country on earth where a girl from rural East Tennessee has the opportunity to be the first in her family to go to college and start a successful business,” she said. ”I want my grandchildren and your grandchildren to be afforded the same opportunities I was. That will not happen under a socialist country.”
Harshbarger said she has made it a priority to center her campaign on listening to the priorities and concerns of voters in the First Congressional District.
“As a pharmacist, you have to listen and hear to understand their problem to provide adequate service and solutions,” she explained. ”I’ve applied that same approach to my campaign, and that’s how I will serve my constituents when elected.”
Harshbarger is confident in her campaign approach.
“We started this campaign strong by every metric, forcing our opponents to play catch up. No one has the organization, message, or drive that our campaign does,” she said.
At the end of the day, Harshbarger said people should vote for her because she isn’t a politician and she has compassion.
“I’m running against a field of politicians who have over 80 years of combined political experience. That’s a lot of hot air,” she said. “As a political newcomer, I am offering a different approach to serving our community. My experience as a health care professional and small business owner allows me to bring an outcome-driven approach to governing and a compassionate attitude to problem-solving.”
Harshbarger is welcoming people to reach out and learn more about her.
“I would love to hear from you and learn what you’re looking for in your next representative. Please give me a call at 423-250-3237,” she said. “I ask for your vote, and more than anything, I covet your prayers.”
