Latest news with #BenHarbin
Yahoo
01-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Former state Representative found dead inside Augusta area hotel room
A former Georgia state Representative has been found dead inside a hotel room. Ben Harbin was pronounced dead at a Fairfield Inn in Augusta on Wednesday evening just after 7 p.m., WJBF-TV reported. Harbin was first elected to the Georgia House in 1994 and served as the House Appropriations Committee chairman until being replaced by the late House Speaker David Ralston. He resigned his seat in July 2015. In a statement on X, Gov. Brian Kemp praised Harbin's service to the state of Georgia: 'Our entire family is mourning the passing of former state representative and chairman of the House Appropriations Committee Ben Harbin. 'A dedicated public servant, he helped to balance out 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.' The Richmond County coroner confirmed to WJBF that Harbin's death is not being considered suspicious. TRENDING STORIES: Protesters rally at state capitol over 'attacks' on judicial system, minimum wage increase Ex-GA school bus driver charged after multiple students attack 7-year-old during route, deputies say Prom dress honors fallen classmate, Rockdale County teen killed on senior skip day
Yahoo
01-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Former Georgia representative found dead at Augusta hotel. Here's what we know
An investigation is underway into the death of a former Georgia political leader. Richmond County Coroner Mark Bowen confirmed via email Wednesday night that his office is investigating the death of former Georgia House Rep. Ben Harbin at age 61. No cause has been released yet. Harbin was found at the Fairfield Inn at 3023 Washington Rd. in Augusta close to the I-20 exit. The coroner pronounced Harbin dead at the scene at 7:12 p.m. Wednesday, April 30. Harbin was a longtime, leading figure in the Augusta area. He was chair of the Richmond County Republican Party 1990-1991 and 1993-1994. He was a Republican representative for House District 122 from 1994 to 2015, according to Ballotpedia. Harbin was the main sponsor of the Motorcycle Mobility Safety Act and HB 364 which amended real estate transfer taxes. He resigned to become a lobbyist for the Southern Strategy Group. Outside of politics, Harbin was the owner of the Harbin Company, a partner with Harbin and Associates, and an agent with Farm Bureau Insurance. Miguel Legoas is a Deep South Connect Team Reporter for Gannett/USA Today. Find him on X and Instagram @miguelegoas and email at mlegoas@ This article originally appeared on Augusta Chronicle: Former Georgia Rep. Ben Harbin found dead at Augusta hotel
