We were disappointed to see Ms. Harkey has chosen not to return either of her 2026 Questionnaire at the direction of the Belknap County Republican leadership.  Nor has she  completed her statewide issue Citizens Count survey.   She said she had another commitment during the Candidate Forum in Gilford.

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Ms. Harkey moved from Connecticut to Gilmanton with her husband in 2022.  Since arriving in Gilmanton four years ago, she has served on the Capital Improvement Plan Committee.  She volunteers with a Republican women's group, but we're not aware of other local volunteering or boards. She has been communications contact for the the Lakes Region Federation of Republican Women. 

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Ms. Harkey said in a Laconia Daily Sun letter that she's had a career in financial services, business management, and most recently, nonprofit leadership as a fundraiser and communicator.  She had additional background information in her Laconia Daily Sun profile. This introduction video from 7 years ago has more detail on her background,  She has since earned an interdisciplinary bachelor's degree from Liberty University in business and communications.   She notes on her website that she has a Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) credential. 

 

In her writings, she suggests she is a "NH Advantage" fiscal conservative.  She wrote in the Laconia Daily Sun, "Every decision made in Concord has consequences for our taxpayers, our communities, and our state’s future. Keeping government affordable and preserving the policies that have made New Hampshire successful require careful judgment and fiscal discipline."  ​

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Her website highlights these issues:   

"As your State Representative, I will support lower taxes, responsible regulation, workforce development, and policies that help small businesses grow while protecting the character and values of the Lakes Region."

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In a conversation with Ms. Harkey at the Belknap Republicans candidate night, we learned she had met with Gilmanton officials and  some county officials after deciding to run, to learn more about their opinions - a mark of a good state representative.   Another member of our team reports Ms. Harkey is not in favor of county support for non-governmental agencies, such as Lakes Region Mental Health, UNH Cooperative Extension and the Belknap County Conservation Commission.

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She also expresses support for public schools, and includes technical and trade training, and school choice.   

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As for affordable housing, Harkey told the Laconia Daily Sun that she's not sure that more housing would necessarily be affordable house, and suggests more information is needed to see what is driving up costs. 

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Her writing would suggest a libertarian leaning, but not a libertarian extremist or Free State libertarian.    

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​Her Laconia Daily Sun notes, "Harkey believes in government transparency and accountability."  However, her bowing to party leadership not to participate in our questionnaires should be a concern for every voter in District 6.  Such a decision suggests she may not be able to stand up to extreme libertarian leadership in the the New Hampshire House, either.

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​Neutral 

Because of the lack of a questionnaire from Ms. Harkey, our Primary recommendation was ⚠️ Caution/No Information.   Her lack of participation in a subsequent General Election questionnaire, is also disappointing.  So while her professional qualifications are a positive, as is her preparation by speaking with local and county officials, Citizens for Belknap settled on a recommendation of  Neutral on Ms. Harkey's candidacy.

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