PACs fuel majority of Harshbarger's campaign funding

NASHVILLE — An analysis of campaign finance data for U.S. Rep. Diana Harshbarger, R-Tennessee, shows a large amount of debt and a strong reliance on political action committee funding. Data from OpenSecrets, a nonprofit that compiles elected officials' campaign finance data, shows that Harshbarger has raised more than $918,000 in the current election cycle. Her account shows $1.8 million in cash on hand. Harshbarger has represented Tennessee's First Congressional District for three terms, having been first elected in 2020. Between those elections, and the upcoming one in 2026, she has raised almost $7 million dollars. Harshbarger faces no primary opponents for the 2026 elections, and with Tennessee's 1st District being one of the most securely-Republican districts in the state. That means fundraising is likely less of a priority than if both elections were more closely contested. Debt Harshbarger's campaign account shows $1.5 million of debt – more than any of Tennessee's congressmembers, and 17th-most among all 535 U.S. House and Senate members. Her cash on hand, though, outweighs her debt. Matt Van Epps, R-Tennessee, had the second-most among Tennessee's congressional delegates who are seeking reelection this year, with $153,000. Van Epps was only just voted into office in December following a contested and particularly-expensive special election for Tennessee's 7th district. It's not clear exactly where Harshbarger's debts come from — a spokesperson for the congresswoman did not immediately respond to an emailed inquiry from Six Rivers Media. Contributions from PACs Harshbarger has received over $540,000 from political action committees in this election cycle so far. That's about average for U.S. House members at this point in the year. PACs make up a greater portion of Harshbarger's donations than most other Tennessee House delegates. The state's seven incumbent House members who are seeking reelection this year average 34.4% of PAC funding, while Harshbarger sits at 55.8%. That's second only to U.S. Rep. Scott Desjarlais, R-Tennnessee, at 60%. Having a higher percentage of PAC donors can indicate a candidate relies more heavily on organized funding than a grassroots voter base. In addition, 42% of Harshbarger's PAC donations come from the health industry, while about 7% come from pharmacy-affiliated groups. The Asian American Hotel Owners Association has donated the most to Harshbarger since the beginning of 2025, with $15,000. That PAC is followed by McKesson Corp, a medical supplies and pharmaceutical distribution company, with $12,500. A handful of other PACs are tied for third with $10,000 donations, including local companies such as Eastman in Kingsport and BWXT in Jonesborough.