About Pete
Pete Harckham has become one of the most respected elected leaders in New York because of his continuing hard work, focus on problem-solving and strong understanding of the needs of residents and small businesses throughout the state
Elected to the New York State Senate in November 2018, and re-elected in November 2020, he is chair of the Senate Committee on Alcoholism and Substance Abuse, where he has introduced over 40 bills dealing with substance use disorder and combating the overdose crisis.
One of the most productive members of the New York State Senate. Harckham had 16 of his bills signed into law last year. Previously, he worked to make the 2% Property Tax Cap permanent; fought to pass the toughest climate protection legislation in the nation; and was a leading voice to hold the utilities accountable in the wake of failed responses to natural disasters.
During the Covid-19 pandemic, Harckham has held 11 food drives to fight hunger, assisted thousands of residents with unemployment claims and delivered PPE to first responders and municipalities throughout the 40th Senate District.
Among Harckham’s Senate accomplishments are bills that were passed to meet the needs of our municipal governments, ensure equitable funding for schools and support the workers and community surrounding the Indian Point nuclear power facility during its decommissioning. He also passed legislation to protect fragile drinking water resources and allow municipalities to jumpstart community solar projects.
In 2015 Harckham was appointed Assistant Director of the New York’s Office of Community Renewal. Afterwards, he served for two years as the Director of Intergovernmental Affairs for the Governor Mario M. Cuomo Bridge project.
From 2008 to 2015 Harckham served on the Westchester County Board of Legislators (BOL), where he was a leading voice for protecting the environment, maintaining vital services and investing in our families. He was the BOL’s Majority Leader from 2010 through 2013.
Harckham is a lifelong resident of the Hudson Valley, having grown up in Rockland County. He moved to Katonah in Westchester in 1991 and now lives in South Salem with his partner Jin-Hee Stevens. He has two adult daughters, Emma and Kate.
Keeping His Promises
That’s why we need Pete Harckham as our State Senator
- Won record investments in school funding, brought an additional $3.2 billion in Foundation Aid to districts, expanded Pre-K programs
- Passed the Reproductive Health Act, ensuring women in New York can make their own reproductive health choices
- Passed landmark legislation to require zero emissions vehicles by 2035
- Protected clean drinking water sources and passed the toughest climate protection law in the nation
- Worked to keep residents safe during the Covid-19 pandemic: held 11 food drives, delivered PPE, handled thousands of requests for assistance
- Continued the middle-class tax cuts for over $4 billion in savings and maintained the STAR program at full benefit for residents
- Kept our community safe with increased funding for law enforcement and gun violence interruption
