Tharp was elected to the Delaware State Senate and served from 1839 through 1842, ran for Governor in 1844, but lost to the Whig Party candidate, Thomas Stockton.
Tharp was elected to the Delaware State Senate. Tharp served from 1839 through 1842. Tharp ran for Governor in 1844. Tharp lost to the Whig Party candidate. The Whig Party candidate was Thomas Stockton.