Diane Lynn Harkey[1] (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.

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.

She came in second place in the June 3 nonpartisan blanket primary with 34.0% of the vote,[7] and subsequently won the November general election by a margin of 61.6% to 38.4%.

Harkey represents the communities of Aliso Viejo, Coto De Caza, Dana Point, Ladera Ranch, Laguna Hills, Laguna Niguel, Mission Viejo, Rancho Santa Margarita, California, San Clemente, San Juan Capistrano, and Trabuco Canyon.

[17][18][16] Harkey supports taking care of the environment but has stated America is damaging its economy with unnecessary climate change laws.

She believes America shouldn't be leading the global fight against climate change when other countries like India and China are releasing higher levels of greenhouse gases.

She has stated that school shootings are actually the result of drugs and mental health issues, as well as children spending too much time with games and cell phones during their formative years.

She has stated support for locking down schools and arming teachers with guns if they're comfortable with it, but believes that isn't a country-wide solution.

[19] Harkey has been endorsed by Donald Trump and supports some of his policies, though has said he lacks "charisma"[16] and his mannerisms are "not attractive", often making women uncomfortable.

[27] In late August, President Donald Trump tweeted what the San Francisco Chronicle described as "a glowing endorsement" of Harkey.

[citation needed] After the 2008 economic downturn, Diane’s husband, Dan Harkey and his company, were sued by investors for real-estate related losses.

Initially, the litigation filed in 2009 included Diane Harkey, who was dismissed with prejudice in 2013 by the plaintiffs and the court of all erroneous charges during the course of a public Jury trial.