Delegate Ben Barnes

Benjamin Scott Barnes is a Democratic politician serving in the Maryland House of Delegates representing the 21st district, which encompasses parts of Anne Arundel and Prince George's counties.

Ben Barnes was born on March 30, 1975, in Peoria, Illinois, and currently resides in College Park, Maryland, with his wife Caitlin and their three sons. He has dedicated his political career to progressive activism, focusing on civil rights, economic equity, social justice, and environmental legislation.

Education

Barnes graduated from Eleanor Roosevelt High School in Greenbelt, Maryland. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, double majoring in Economics and Political Science. He later earned his Juris Doctor from the University of Baltimore School of Law in 2003 while working full-time, and was admitted to the Maryland Bar in 2004.

Political Experience

Early Career:
After college, Barnes worked as a Field Coordinator for People for the American Way, a progressive advocacy organization, where he focused on civil rights and First Amendment protections. He subsequently served as a Legislative Aide to the Maryland Senate President, advancing initiatives including gun control legislation, minimum wage increases, and environmental protections. After law school, he clerked for Judge James J. Lombardi in the Prince George's County Circuit Court before entering private practice as an attorney.

Legislative Service:
Barnes was first elected to the Maryland House of Delegates in 2006 and was sworn in on January 10, 2007. He currently serves as Chair of the House Appropriations Committee and as Chief Deputy Majority Whip . He is also a member of the Rules and Executive Nominations Committee and the Maryland Legislative Latino Caucus. During his tenure, he has championed legislation protecting victims of domestic violence, holding banks and corporations accountable, and advancing civil rights. He has worked to eliminate achievement gaps in education and increase funding for public schools.