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Ben Harbin

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Ben Harbin
Harbin in 2011
Member of the Georgia House of Representatives
In office
1994 – July 7, 2015
Preceded byMartha Moore
Succeeded byJodi Lott
Chair of the Richmond County Republican Party
In office
1990–1991
In office
1993–1994
Personal details
Born
Benjie Lewis Harbin

(1963-10-28)October 28, 1963
Lyons, Georgia, U.S.
DiedApril 30, 2025(2025-04-30) (aged 61)
Augusta, Georgia, U.S.
Political partyRepublican
Spouse
Hope Whitfield
​
(m. 1989)​
Children2[a]
Alma materGeorgia Military College
ProfessionLobbyist

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]

Life and career

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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]

References

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  1. ^ Baruchman, Michelle (May 1, 2025). "Former Augusta lawmaker remembered as quick-witted and honorable". The Atlanta Journal–Constitution. ISSN 1539-7459. Retrieved May 2, 2025.
  2. ^ a b c d Hotchkiss, Joe (May 2, 2025). "'One of the good guys': Colleagues remember life, career of Ben Harbin". The Augusta Chronicle. Retrieved May 2, 2025.
  3. ^ a b Legoas, Miguel (May 1, 2025). "Former Georgia representative found dead at Augusta hotel. Here's what we know". The Augusta Chronicle. Retrieved May 2, 2025.
  4. ^ Crawford, Steve (June 29, 2015). "Ben Harbin will leave Legislature to become lobbyist". The Augusta Chronicle. Retrieved May 2, 2025.
  5. ^ Jones, Walter C. (February 21, 2016). "Lott finds her way in first days in House". The Augusta Chronicle. Retrieved May 2, 2025.
  6. ^ a b Evans, Beau (May 1, 2025). "Ben Harbin obituary: Longtime Georgia lawmaker found dead in Augusta". State Affairs. Retrieved May 2, 2025.
  7. ^ Jones, Walter C. (February 15, 2013). "Columbia County's Harbin to chair House committee". The Augusta Chronicle. Retrieved May 2, 2025.
  8. ^ a b Raby, Dan (May 2, 2025). "Former Georgia state Rep. Ben Harbin found dead at 61". WAGA-TV. Retrieved May 2, 2025.
  9. ^ "Romney Campaign Press Release – Mitt Romney Announces Support of Georgia Elected Officials and Leaders". The American Presidency Project. January 20, 2012. Retrieved May 2, 2025.
  10. ^ "Rep. Harbin fined $1,000 for reckless driving". Daily Report Online. October 28, 2008. Retrieved May 2, 2025.

Notes

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  1. ^ 1 deceased
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