Patricia Mullaney Harper (born December 4, 1932) is an American teacher and former politician in the state of Iowa.

[1] She received her bachelors of arts degree from the Iowa State Teachers College in 1954, majoring in mathematics and general science.

[3] Harper began her teaching career in 1955 as a math and science teacher at Postville High School.

[4][6] During her first term, she advocated for the Excellence in Education program, which set a minimum wage for public school teachers.

[12] Following the unexpected resignation of Jim Lind from the Iowa Senate on March 20, 1997, Harper ran as the Democratic nominee for the 13th district.

[13] Harper was honored in 2015 with the Rachel Fulton Public Service Award, which was granted by the League of Women Voters of Black Hawk-Bremer Counties.