Why am I running?

As President of the New Castle County Council, I have dedicated the last eight years to enhancing the quality of life for all residents. My campaign slogan, "Experience Matters," reflects my commitment to excellence in constituent service and community involvement. I believe in transparent and honest governance, maintaining core services while keeping taxes low, and prioritizing public safety. My focus includes affordable housing, the creation of world-class parks and libraries, comprehensive senior and youth services, responsible economic development, forward-thinking job creation, and preservation of open space.

I have consistently demonstrated my ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders, advocate for innovative solutions, and implement effective policies that benefit the community. As your next County Executive, I am determined to make New Castle County the best County in the Country.

My journey in public service is deeply personal and rooted in a tradition of dedication and service. I am the proud mother of four adult children and grandmother of: a son who is a retired U.S. Marine, union electrician, and small business owner, and three accomplished daughters, with my middle daughter currently pursuing another degree at the University of Delaware. Outside of my professional life, I am happily married to Rob Harvey, and we have nine grandchildren: Xander, Spencer, Ellie, Jack, Winter, Willa, Graham, JJ, and Henry. My home in Bellefonte, where I practice edible landscaping, is shared with my faithful companions, retired racing greyhounds Apollo and Aria. This deep connection to my family and community drives my passion for public service and my vision for a thriving, safe, and prosperous New Castle County.

Throughout my tenure, I have been available to my constituents seven days a week, from early morning to late at night, even on weekends and holidays. My calls are forwarded to my cell phone to ensure I am always in touch with those I serve. I strive to be the public servant that I would want if in need. With your support, we can continue to build on this foundation of trust and dedication, making New Castle County a place where everyone can thrive.

Karen Hartley-Nagle: Experience Matters

Champion of Public Service

Karen M. Hartley-Nagle stands as a dedicated public servant and a prominent figure in New Castle County, Delaware. Serving as the President of the New Castle County Council since her election in 2016 and re-election in 2020, Karen has demonstrated unwavering commitment and excellence in constituent service and community involvement. Her leadership has been marked by a focus on enhancing the quality of life for residents, ensuring transparent and honest governance, and maintaining core services while keeping taxes low.

A Legacy of Leadership

Karen's political journey is marked by historic milestones, including becoming the first woman to win the Delaware Democratic Primary for Congress in 2008, showcasing her trailblazing spirit and commitment to public service. As Council President, she co-chairs the Public Safety Committee and previously co-chaired the Economic Development Committee, highlighting her broad expertise and dedication to critical areas impacting the daily lives of her constituents. Her commitment to public safety, comprehensive senior and youth services, responsible economic development, and forward-thinking job creation are central to her vision for New Castle County.

A Voice on the National Stage

Karen's influence extends beyond local governance. As an active member of the National Organization of Counties, she served on eleven committees, addressing a wide range of public issues at both local and national levels. She is also a Director of the Delaware Association of Counties and a member of the National Council of County Association Executives, the Delaware League of Local Governments, and the National League of Cities. Her participation in the White House Office of Intergovernmental Affairs and the White House Partnerships Office Faith and Community Engagement Weekly Briefing calls underscores her ability to navigate and influence policy discussions at the highest levels of government.

Commitment to Education and Continuous Learning

Education plays a central role in Karen’s life. She has pursued studies at Moore College of Art & Design, Delaware Technical and Community College, and Wilmington University, where she is set to complete a dual degree in Organizational Management and Political Science with a concentration in Education, and a Certification in Child Advocacy in 2025. This diverse educational background equips her with a broad set of skills, deeply informing her approach to governance with a well-rounded perspective.

A Multifaceted Career

Karen’s career encompasses significant contributions as a small business owner, consultant, television producer, host, and dedicated civic activist. Her work in creating corporate partnerships for educational programs has bridged gaps between businesses and educational institutions, enhancing workforce skills and knowledge. Her dedication to fostering business partnerships, advocating for child welfare, and serving as a board member for the New Castle County Board of Adjustment has left indelible marks on the communities she serves. Her involvement as a board member for Delaware Common Cause and a founding member of the Coalition for Open Government underscores her dedication to transparency and open government.

Community Engagement and Personal Life

A resident of Bellefonte, Karen is a devoted mother of four adult children. Her son is a retired U.S. Marine, union electrician, and small business owner, while her three daughters are accomplished and degreed, with the middle daughter pursuing another degree at the University of Delaware. Karen also practices edible landscaping (read more) at her home while enjoying the company of her two faithful companions, retired racing greyhounds Apollo and Aria. Her family background includes veterans from as far back as the Revolutionary War, reflecting a deep-rooted tradition of service and dedication.

Vision for New Castle County

As she campaigns for County Executive, Karen Hartley-Nagle's vast experience, dedication to public service, and visionary leadership underscore her commitment to making New Castle County the best County in the Country. Her focus on public safety, expanding affordable housing, creating world-class parks, fostering synergistic relationships between libraries and schools, expanding youth and senior programs, preserving open space, enhancing economic development, innovation, job creation and support of unions demonstrates her multifaceted approach to leadership. With a deep understanding of her community's needs and a clear vision for its future, Karen is poised to lead New Castle County to new heights.

Karen Hartley-Nagle's journey from a civic activist to a seasoned public servant is a testament to her dedication to making a difference in the lives of those she serves. Join her in creating a thriving, safe, and prosperous New Castle County. Experience Matters.

Why am I running?

Paid for by Friends of Karen Hartley-Nagle