Biography
Hardin started his professional career in the White House under President George H.W. Bush, and his political career took off from there. He directed statewide grassroots operations for a ballot initiative campaign in Arizona; from there, he jumped into Virginia politics, directing and managing successful campaigns for Senator John Warner, Congressman Tom Davis, and Governor Jim Gilmore. Hardin was then called to Capitol Hill by Congressman Davis, serving as Davis’ Communications Director, managing Davis’s successful race for Chairman of the National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC), and serving Davis in his new capacity as a member of the Congressional Leadership. Hardin went on to serve as Chief of Staff to Congressman Randy “Duke” Cunningham, a senior member of the House Defense Appropriations Subcommittee.
In 2000, Hardin was tasked by the Republican Leadership to play an active role in successful efforts to expand the Majority through two election cycles. He participated in national redistricting efforts, was instrumental in fundraising for targeted races, organized war veterans in Congress to campaign in targeted races, and served in many senior-level strategy meetings at the NRCC.
Hardin then joined the private sector at the consulting firm NorthPoint Strategies as a Principal Partner. At NorthPoint, Hardin represented and counseled corporate and association clients on legislative, regulatory, and communications challenges as well as prepared their executives for appearances in front of the media and Congressional committees.
Be it political or grassroots campaigns, government service, or strategic consulting, Hardin has been instrumental in many victories on behalf of candidates, policymakers, and clients.
Hardin is a regular contributor on FOX News and Politico’s The Arena. To see his take on hot political topics, read his posts on The Arena.
Hardin graduated from the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science.