Ben Harbin
American politician (1963–2025)
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Benjie Lewis Harbin (October 28, 1963 – April 30, 2025) was an American lobbyist and politician of the Republican Party who was involved in Georgian politics.[1]
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October 28, 1963
Ben Harbin | |
|---|---|
Harbin in 2011 | |
| Member of the Georgia House of Representatives | |
| In office 1994 – July 7, 2015 | |
| Preceded by | Martha Moore |
| Succeeded by | Jodi Lott |
| Chair of the Richmond County Republican Party | |
| In office 1990–1991 | |
| In office 1993–1994 | |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Benjie Lewis Harbin October 28, 1963 Lyons, Georgia, U.S. |
| Died | April 30, 2025 (aged 61) Augusta, Georgia, U.S. |
| Party | Republican |
| Spouse |
Hope Whitfield (m. 1989) |
| Children | 2[a] |
| Alma mater | Georgia Military College |
| Profession | Lobbyist |
Life and career
Harbin was born in Lyons, Georgia on October 28, 1963.[2] He received an associate of science degree in business administration from Georgia Military College.[2] Harbin was the chair of the Republican Party in Richmond County from 1990 until 1991 and again from 1993 until 1994.[3] He succeeded Martha Moore to represent District 113 of the Georgia House of Representatives, which represents Columbia County. He served on the house from 1994 until July 7, 2015.[2] Following his resignation, Harbin became a lobbyist.[4] He was succeeded by Jodi Lott.[5]
While on the Georgia House of Representatives, Harbin was the Chairman of the Committee on Appropriations from 2005 until 2011.[6][7] His other chairmanships include vice-chair of Appropriations Subcommittee on Health, chair of Subcommittee on Energy, Utilities, & Telecommunications and chair of Ways and Means Subcommittee on Tax.[8] Harbin endorsed Mitt Romney at the 2012 Republican Primary.[9]
Harbin was charged with reckless driving in October 2008, for which he was fined $1,000 and sentenced to perform 100 hours of community service. He had been charged with driving under the influence in May 2007 and had faced additional charges of striking a fixed object and failure to maintain lane, which were dropped.[10]
Harbin married Hope Whitfield in 1989, with whom he had two children.[2] His daughter, Caitlin, died in 2023.[6] Harbin died at a hotel in Augusta, Georgia on April 30, 2025, at the age of 61.[3] His death is considered as being natural with no suspicion of foul play.[8]