News Summary
Ben L. Harbin, a former Georgia State Representative, has been found dead at 61. He was in Augusta for an event honoring his late daughter. His death was ruled natural, with no foul play suspected. Harbin served in the Georgia State House for nearly 20 years, holding significant leadership roles and contributing to key legislation.
Augusta – Former Georgia State Representative Ben L. Harbin has been found dead at the age of 61. His body was discovered at the Fairfield Inn on Washington Road in Augusta at approximately 7:12 p.m. on Wednesday, April 30. The Richmond County Coroner, Mark Bowen, confirmed that Harbin’s death was ruled natural, with no suspicion of foul play detected during the investigation.
Friends of Harbin indicated that he was in Augusta for an event honoring his late daughter and had been grappling with health issues prior to his passing. Harbin served in the Georgia State House from 1994 until 2015, representing Columbia County and the 122nd District for nearly 20 years. Throughout his tenure, he held significant leadership positions, including the Chairman of the House Appropriations Committee and Vice Chair of the Health Appropriations Committee. His legislative contributions included the Motorcycle Mobility Safety Act and amendments to real estate transfer taxes.
After his departure from the legislature, Harbin transitioned into lobbying, first with the Southern Strategy Group and later as a senior adviser at BakerHostetler law firm. He was lauded for his dedication to public service and his critical role in maintaining Georgia’s AAA bond rating during the financial struggles of the Great Recession. His legacy as a prominent political figure is accompanied by acknowledgments from various leaders and colleagues who expressed their condolences via social media.
Notably, Georgia Governor Brian Kemp described Harbin as a dedicated public servant who played a vital role in balancing the state budget during difficult financial times. House Speaker Jon Burns commented on Harbin’s diligence and integrity throughout his two decades of service, highlighting his dedication to the constituents he represented.
Anecdotes shared by friends and colleagues illustrate Harbin’s character, emphasizing his warmth and ability to bridge divides between political parties. He was well-regarded for his sense of humor and was liked by peers across the political spectrum. Columbia County Commissioner Doug Duncan referred to Harbin as not just a colleague but a good friend who worked tirelessly to make a meaningful difference through his political career.
In addition to his political roles, Harbin was actively involved in the local Republican Party, having served as the chair of the Richmond County Republican Party. His efforts in local political initiatives left a lasting impact on the community. Harbin resigned from his position in 2015 after losing the Republican primary but continued to advocate for various causes, particularly for vulnerable populations, which included support for individuals with sickle cell disease.
Harbin’s impact on Georgia’s political landscape and his commitment to prioritizing the needs of the people over partisan politics will be remembered by many. His passing marks a significant loss for both his constituents and the wider community. As tributes continue to pour in, the legacy of Ben L. Harbin as a dedicated public servant will undoubtedly endure among those who knew and respected him.
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Former Georgia House Representative Ben L. Harbin Found Dead
Additional Resources
- Fox 5 Atlanta
- Wikipedia: Ben Harbin
- WJBF
- Google Search: Ben Harbin
- Augusta Chronicle
- Google Scholar: Ben Harbin
- The Augusta Press
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Georgia State Representative
- AJC
- Google News: Ben Harbin
Author: STAFF HERE AUGUSTA WRITER
AUGUSTA STAFF WRITER The AUGUSTA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAugusta.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Augusta, Richmond County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Arts in the Heart Festival, Westobou Festival, and Masters Week. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Augusta Metro Chamber of Commerce and Greater Augusta Arts Council, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and healthcare that power the local economy such as Textron Specialized Vehicles, Cardinal Health, and Nutrien. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAtlanta.com and HERESavannah.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.
