Lawmakers and friends react to Ben Harbin's death
AUGUSTA, Ga (WJBF)- Ben harbin, who represented the CSRA in the Georgia State House for more than 20 years, has died.
According to Richmond County Coroner Mark Bowen, Harbin was found dead Wednesday night at the Fairfield Inn on Washington Road.
Harbin represented District 122 in the Georgia State House from 1994 until 2015. Current local and state lawmakers are reacting to the news.
'I received a text from a mutual friend who said that Ben had passed away and I was just frankly shocked. I believe he was ill, but I didn't have details on what his illness was,' said Chairman Doug Duncan, Columbia County Board of Commissioners.
In 2015, Harbin resigned from Georgia State government to become a lobbyist.
Duncan was a longtime friend of Harbin's, meeting him in the 80's. He said Harbin was passionate about his job.
Coroner investigating death of former Georgia State Representative Ben Harbin
'Ben wanted to make a difference. And that's…why does anybody get into politics? Well, at first you start engaging issues and then you realize you have to have a seat at the table.'
Leaders across Georgia took to social media to express their sorrow at the news of Harbin's death.
Governor Brian Kemp saying: 'Our entire family is mourning the passing of former representative and chairman of the House Appropriations Committee Ben Harbin. A dedicated public servant, he helped to balance our state budgets and maintain our AAA bond rating during the most difficult financial time in modern history- the Great Recession. We are praying for his family and loved ones in the days and weeks ahead during this time of grieving.'
Columbia County Commissioner Trey Allen saying: 'I'm simply heartbroken. Ben Harbin was a loving father, a dedicated public servant and most of all, to a lucky few, a fearless friend. Our world is simply diminished for his loss. Prayers and blessings to those who loved him and the countless whose days will be less bright in the absence of his smile and presence.'
Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger also releasing a statement saying in part: 'Ben's contributions will be remembered and cherished by all who knew him, and our prayers are with his family at this time.'
Duncan told NewsChannel 6 that Harbin was a good man and a good friend and will be missed.
'Ben was fun. He was super guy. I go back– he was a people person. So very pleasing, fun to be around. And some personalities gel, some don't. Ours did. We got along really well.'
Georgia Superior Court Justice, Barry Fleming was a friend and colleague of Harbin's for around 30 years. He said he was shocked and saddened to hear the news of Harbin's passing and that he will remember him fondly.
'He was a great guy. I mean, he's kind of one of those people that you would like to hang around with. He was fun, gregarious, always had a smile on his face. Professionally, he was very dedicated to his work as a state representative,' Fleming said.
Coroner Bowen said Harbin's death appears to be of natural causes and is still under investigation.
He was 61-years-old.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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