Trump Backs ‘Strong on Crime’ Diane Harkey in Democrat-Targeted Race to Replace Issa

Diane Harkey (Rich Pedroncelli / Associated Press)
Rich Pedroncelli / Associated Press
Michelle Moons
Washington, DC

President Donald Trump declared his support Monday for California Board of Equalization Member Diane Harkey, who is running to replace Darrell Issa in the House, a seat hotly targeted by Democrats.

President Trump tweeted his support for Harkey Monday evening:

Trump called Harkey “an extraordinary woman of great accomplishment & potential.” 

“She is running as a very popular Republican for the Congressional seat of my friend Darrell Issa-with his complete support,” wrote Trump. “Diane is strong on crime, loves our Military & Vets-has my total Endorsement!”

Harkey came out on top in California’s June jungle primary election that has her facing off against the number two vote-getter, Democrat Mike Levin.

On election night, Harkey told Breitbart News in an exclusive phone interview that she expected a “very, very tough election, a very probably extremely nasty election.”

Democrats heavily targeted the 49th district congressional seat in 2016. Then-President Barack Obama flew in to host a $10,000-a-plate fundraiser in La Jolla, California, for Issa’s challenger in that election, Democrat Doug Applegate. Less than one percent separated Issa and Applegate in the general election, with Issa pulling off a narrow win. Issa later chose not to run for re-election to the seat in 2018.

Harkey served in the California Assembly before winning election to the State Board of Equalization. On the Board, she became the highest-ranking Republican elected official in California. She previously spent over 30 years in the banking and finance industry.

Michelle Moons is a White House Correspondent for Breitbart News — follow on Twitter @MichelleDiana and Facebook

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