Pete Harckham

Peter Harckham is a prominent American politician and businessman currently serving as a member of the New York State Senate, representing the 40th district. A member of the Democratic Party and the Working Families Party, Harckham has been in office since January 1, 2019, following his election in 2018. He has a background in media and advertising and has held various leadership roles in local government and nonprofit organizations prior to his tenure in the Senate.

Early life and career

Born on September 16, 1960, Harckham grew up in the Hudson Valley region of New York, primarily residing in Rockland County. He completed his secondary education at Clarkstown High School North before pursuing higher education at Dickinson College, where he earned a degree in English. Following his graduation, Harckham began his professional career in the advertising industry during the 1980s, working on Madison Avenue, which is known for its concentration of advertising agencies and media firms.

In addition to his work in advertising, Harckham has maintained a business presence in the Hudson Valley, where he continues to operate his own media and advertising firm. His commitment to community service is evident through his previous leadership roles in nonprofit organizations. He served as President of a nonprofit housing corporation dedicated to developing affordable housing in northern Westchester County. This role highlighted his focus on addressing housing needs in the region.

Harckham also held the position of Vice Chair at the Clarence E. Heller Charitable Foundation, a private foundation based in San Francisco that emphasizes sustainable management of natural resources. His involvement in these organizations reflects his broader commitment to community development and environmental stewardship.

In 2007, Harckham entered public service by winning a seat on the Westchester County Board of Legislators. He was re-elected in subsequent elections in 2009, 2011, and 2013, serving a total of four terms. During his tenure as a county legislator, he held the position of Democratic Majority Leader for two terms. His legislative efforts included initiatives to create tax breaks for first responders, reduce county taxes, and establish term limits for county legislators. In 2012, he was also a pledged elector for President Barack Obama in the electoral college, further demonstrating his political engagement.

In 2015, Harckham transitioned from the county legislature to work in the administration of New York Governor Andrew Cuomo. As the assistant director of the Office of Community Renewal, he played a role in administering grants aimed at revitalizing communities in the lower Hudson Valley.

Legislative service

Harckham's entry into the New York State Senate came in 2018 when he was recruited to challenge the incumbent Republican state Senator Terrence Murphy, who had held the position since 2015. The 40th district, which encompasses parts of Rockland, Putnam, and Westchester counties, was considered competitive, but Harckham's campaign gained traction during a favorable Democratic election year. Ultimately, he secured victory in the election, marking a significant shift in representation for the district.

Upon taking office on January 1, 2019, Harckham was sworn in by Governor Andrew Cuomo. His legislative responsibilities include serving as the Chair of the Environmental Conservation Committee, where he focuses on environmental issues pertinent to New York State. He has also been active on several other committees, including the Committee on Alcoholism and Substance Abuse and the Joint Senate Task Force on Opioids, Addiction & Overdose Prevention. Additionally, he is a member of the Veterans, Homeland Security and Military Affairs committee.

In the 2020 election, Harckham successfully ran for re-election against former Westchester County Executive Rob Astorino. The election results were delayed due to an increase in mail-in voting amid the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as a legal challenge regarding election security raised by Astorino prior to election day. Ultimately, Harckham was declared the winner, solidifying his position in the Senate.

Policy focus and district

As a state senator, Harckham has concentrated on various policy areas, with a particular emphasis on environmental conservation and public health. His role as Chair of the Environmental Conservation Committee allows him to advocate for legislation aimed at protecting natural resources and promoting sustainability. Among his notable legislative efforts is the "Save the Hudson" initiative, which aims to address pollution and promote the cleanup of the Hudson River. He has also worked on measures to protect wetlands and ensure the safety of drinking water supplies across New York State.

In addition to environmental issues, Harckham's involvement in the Committee on Alcoholism and Substance Abuse and the Joint Senate Task Force on Opioids, Addiction & Overdose Prevention highlights his commitment to addressing public health crises, particularly the opioid epidemic. His work in these areas reflects a broader understanding of the interconnectedness of environmental health and community well-being.

Harckham represents a diverse constituency in the 40th district, which includes urban, suburban, and rural areas across Rockland, Putnam, and Westchester counties. This diversity influences his legislative priorities, as he seeks to address the unique challenges faced by different communities within his district. His background in local government and community service informs his approach to representing the interests of his constituents, ensuring that their voices are heard in the state legislature.

Overall, Pete Harckham's career has been marked by a commitment to public service, community development, and environmental stewardship. Through his legislative work, he continues to advocate for policies that aim to improve the quality of life for residents in the Hudson Valley and beyond.