[3] In 2017, Merton was narrowly defeated by Natalie Ward for Liberal Party selection to fill the New South Wales Legislative Council vacancy created by the resignation of Greg Pearce, despite having the endorsements of John Howard, Scott Morrison and Tony Abbott.

[2] In March 2023, Merton was placed seventh on the Coalition ticket and won the 21st and final spot in the Legislative Council at the State Election, defeating the Animal Justice Party by just over 10,000 votes.

[6] In her role as a Member of the Legislative Council, she has advocated for retaining constitutional monarchy, protecting faith-based hospitals and campaigned against the proposed referendum change to establish an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice to Parliament.

[3] Merton is married to Justin Owen, who serves as Deputy President of the Administrative Appeals Tribunal, and has two daughters.

[citation needed] Rachel is a member of the Institute for Public Affairs, the Samuel Griffith Society and is an active supporter of the North Sydney Bears.