Pete Harckham is an American businessman and politician serving as a Democrat and Working Families Party member representing New York State Senate District 40, which covers parts of Rockland, Putnam, and Westchester counties in the Hudson Valley. First elected in 2018, he narrowly defeated incumbent Republican Terrence Murphy by 51% to 49% in a competitive race. He currently chairs the Senate Environmental Conservation Committee and has served three full terms, earning recognition as a 2025 Women of Distinction Honoree and New York State Senate Veterans' Hall of Fame Honoree.

Education and Political Experience

Harckham's background includes a career in business before entering politics. Recruited in 2018 to challenge Murphy, he flipped the district during a strong Democratic year. The New York Working Families Party has endorsed him, including through its Westchester-Putnam chapter. Notable positions include leadership on environmental conservation and initiatives like "Our Power, Our Planet" and coronavirus response efforts.