Diane Lynn Harkey (born June 20, 1951) is an American politician who served as a member of the California State Board of Equalization, representing its fourth district from 2015 to 2019. A member of the Republican Party, she was previously elected to the Dana Point City Council (2004–2008), including a stint as Mayor of Dana Point (2007–2008), as well as the California State Assembly (2008–2014). She was a Republican candidate for California's 49th congressional district seat in the 2018 election, losing to Democrat Mike Levin. Early years and education Born in Joliet, Illinois, Harkey moved to California with her family as a young girl. Harkey graduated cum laude from the University of California, Irvine, with a Bachelor of Arts in economics. Banking career Harkey has served as a vice-president in the banking industry and has had a 30-year career in corporate banking and finance. Political career Dana Point Harkey's involvement in politics began in 1989, when she actively campaigned for the incorporation of the City of Dana Point. Harkey has served as a board member of the Ocean Institute and Dana Point Fifth Marine Regiment Support Group, a trustee for the Capistrano Valley Symphony, and a member of the Chamber of Commerce. She served on the Dana Point City Council from 2004 to 2008, and during that period, in 2007, she served as the city's mayor. California State Senate election, 2006 In 2006, Harkey ran against then-Assemblyman Tom Harman for the 35th State Senate District in one of the closest California State Senate races in the state's history. Harman defeated Harkey for the Republican nomination by 225 votes or roughly 0.2% of the vote and went on to win the general election by 44,000 votes. California State Assembly In 2008, she ran as the Republican nominee for the 73rd State Assembly district against Democratic nominee Judy Jones. Harkey received the endorsements of the Republican Congressional delegation in the district, Assemblywoman Mimi Walters (who vacated the seat to run for State Senate), former opponent state Senator Tom Harman, over 80 elected officials in Orange and San Diego Counties, and the Republican Assembly Women's Caucus. Harkey won the election with 53.4% of the vote, while Jones received 40.6% of the vote. She served in the Assembly from November 2008 to November 2014. State Board of Equalization In 2014, Harkey became term-limited in the State Assembly and ran for a seat on the