Former Augusta lawmaker remembered as quick-witted and honorable

A Republican, Harbin served in the state Legislature from 1994 to 2015 and chaired the powerful House Appropriations Committee. He oversaw the state’s budget during much of the Great Recession.

Harbin had previously served as chair of the Richmond County Republican Party. But he has been described as a man of integrity and honor, putting the needs of Georgians over partisan politics.

He became a lobbyist after leaving elected office, advocating on behalf of businesses, health care institutions and education groups for Southern Strategy Group. He later became a senior adviser at BakerHostetler, one of the country’s largest law firms.

Gov. Brian Kemp said Harbin was a dedicated public servant, in a post on X.

In a statement, House Speaker Jon Burns said he was “deeply saddened” to hear of Harbin’s death.

“Ben served our state with diligence and integrity for over two decades, and as House Appropriations chairman, he was instrumental in shaping the pathway to the success our state is witnessing today,” he said.

In an interview with The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Mark Butler, a former lawmaker and labor commissioner, said Harbin “was always looking out for the little guy.”

“He took a lot of calls that wouldn’t necessarily get you votes, but he knew people had needs and wanted to make sure they were met,” Butler said.

The two were roommates for at least eight years, Butler said, and were often confused for their similar appearances. Harbin had a greater sense of humor and quick wit; he was also “very cerebral” and policy oriented.

“He was one of those people who could give a good long range look and make sense of it,” he said.

Despite ideological differences, Harbin was also admired by his Democratic colleagues.

“When I came in as a freshman, he was the first person who came down to my office to welcome me,” former state Rep. Nikki Randall said. “Through the years, it was not about partisanship, it was about me as a person.”

Randall, who shared an office suite with Harbin, said he always gave a listening ear to her thoughts and concerns related to legislation and her constituents.

“We didn’t always agree, but I appreciated him being human and not partisan, and we ended up being really good friends,” she said.

She also said Harbin “had the courage to not toe the party line if he felt it was not right,” even as chair of Appropriations.

“He was a great leader and public servant who understood that in politics you can disagree, but you don’t have to be disagreeable,” she said. “He was just a downright good guy, and I wish there were more public servants like him.”

Gloria Frazier, a former Democratic state lawmaker also from Augusta, said Harbin “sat and listened” as she shared her concern for the thousands of Georgians who live with sickle-cell disease, a disorder that affects red blood cells.

“To date, every year he was there he added money in to help people with this debilitating disease,” she said. “On behalf of the sickle-cell community, we are grateful for his support in putting partisan politics aside and meeting the needs of the most vulnerable population.”

Mark Burkhalter, another friend and lawmaker who served alongside Harbin, said he was a big fan of music, country in particular. One of his favorite artists was Bob Seger.

On Wednesday afternoon, Burkhalter said Seger’s song “Still The Same” came on the radio.

“That’s how Harbin was. No matter what happened, he was an unwavering, loyal friend. He was steady in not-so-steady times,” Burkhalter said.