Diana Harshbarger wins GOP primary to replace Rep. Phil Roe

Pharmacist Diana Harshbarger won the Republican primary in Tennessee’s 1st District on Thursday, leaving her well-placed to replace retiring Rep. Phil Roe (R) in the deep-red area.

Roe announced early this year that he will retire at the end of his sixth term.

Harshbarger prevailed in the 16-candidate primary, leading with 19.1 percent of the vote after 100 percent of precincts reported, according to The Associated Press.

During the primary campaign, she faced attacks for her ties to her husband’s pharmaceutical company. Harshbarger’s husband was sentenced to a four-year prison sentence over charges of misbranding drugs.

However, the Tennessee candidate denied she had any involvement in her husband’s company.

Harshbarger will face off against Democratic candidate Blair Walsingham in the general election. 

Updated Aug. 7 at 12:09 a.m.