He was a member of the New South Wales Legislative Assembly from 1988 to 2015, representing the electorates of Gosford (1988–2007) and Terrigal (2007–2015).

[5] At the 2003 election Hartcher was challenged in the seat of Gosford by Labor candidate Deborah O'Neill and won by only 272 votes.

[6] After narrowly retaining Gosford, Hartcher decided to step down as Deputy Liberal Leader.

[7] His main opponent was Labor's Trevor Drake, who was a former Liberal Party Gosford City Councillor.

[12] In response to the inquiry, Hartcher, and fellow MPs Chris Spence and Darren Webber, stood aside from the parliamentary party, even though they had just renominated for their seats, to sit as independents.

[14][15] That recommendation related to a cheque for $4,000 made out to the Liberal Party as a donation, but found by ICAC to be deposited into an account controlled by Hartcher and later withdrawn in cash by Ray Carter.