Ben Barnes

Benjamin Scott Barnes is a Democratic politician currently serving as a member of the Maryland House of Delegates, representing the 21st district. He has been in office since 2007 and has held various leadership roles within the legislature, including chief deputy majority whip and chair of the House Appropriations Committee. Barnes has a background in law and has been involved in political advocacy and legislative advisory roles prior to his election to the House of Delegates.

Early life and career

Barnes was born on March 30, 1975, in Peoria, Illinois. He was raised in Prince George's County, Maryland, by a single mother. He completed his secondary education at Eleanor Roosevelt High School, graduating in 1993. Following high school, he attended the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in economics and political science in 1998. His early exposure to political activism began in childhood, as he participated in pro-choice marches in Washington, D.C., alongside his family.

After completing his undergraduate studies, Barnes entered the political arena as an organizer for People for the American Way from 1999 to 2000. He subsequently worked as a political and legislative advisor to Senate President Thomas V. Miller Jr., where he advanced to the position of deputy legislative director. During this period, he pursued further education at the University of Baltimore School of Law, earning his Juris Doctor in 2003. Following his admission to the Maryland Bar in 2004, he clerked for Judge James J. Lombardi in the Prince George's County Circuit Court until 2005. After his clerkship, he practiced law at the Law Offices of Donna L. Crary until 2011, when he established his own law firm, Butler, Macleay & Barnes LLC.

Legislative service

Barnes was sworn into the Maryland House of Delegates on January 10, 2007. Throughout his tenure, he has taken on various leadership roles, including serving as the chief deputy majority whip since 2013. In 2022, he was appointed chair of the House Appropriations Committee, a position that involves overseeing budgetary matters and fiscal policy within the state legislature. He has also been a member of the Spending Affordability Committee since 2020, which is responsible for ensuring that the state's budget remains sustainable.

In addition to his committee roles, Barnes is a member of both the Anne Arundel County Delegation and the Prince George's County Delegation, reflecting his commitment to representing the interests of his constituents. He is also affiliated with the Maryland Legislative Latino Caucus, which focuses on issues pertinent to the Latino community in Maryland. Barnes previously served on the House Judiciary Committee from 2007 to 2011 and the Economic Matters Committee from 2011 to 2015.

In the context of national politics, Barnes participated in the 2008 Democratic Party presidential primaries as a pledged delegate for Hillary Clinton at the Democratic National Convention. His involvement in both state and national political processes underscores his active engagement in the Democratic Party.

In December 2025, following the announcement that Adrienne A. Jones would step down as Speaker of the Maryland House of Delegates, Barnes expressed interest in running for the position. However, he later withdrew from the race and endorsed another candidate.

Policy focus and district

Barnes's legislative priorities reflect a commitment to various policy areas, including education, fiscal responsibility, and public safety. He has been particularly active in advocating for education funding and reforms. During the 2019 legislative session, he introduced a bill to expand the University System of Maryland Board of Regents, which successfully passed both chambers and was signed into law. His efforts to enhance education funding continued into 2020, where he proposed amendments to increase state funding for education in Baltimore and Prince George's County significantly.

In the realm of fiscal policy, Barnes has taken a proactive approach to address budgetary challenges. He voted in favor of raising gas taxes in 2013 to support the state's transportation fund and has expressed a willingness to consider tax increases to address budget deficits. In 2025, he played a key role in negotiating a budget deal that closed a significant budget deficit through a combination of tax increases and spending cuts. His approach often contrasts with proposals from Republican colleagues, particularly those that seek to reduce funding for essential services like Medicaid and education.

Barnes has also been involved in discussions surrounding gun control legislation. He voted in favor of measures that would impose stricter regulations on firearm purchases and ownership, reflecting a commitment to public safety. His legislative actions in this area have included support for fingerprinting gun buyers and restrictions on firearm possession for individuals deemed mentally ill.

In addition to education and fiscal issues, Barnes has focused on development initiatives within his district. In the 2023 legislative session, he led efforts to allow Prince George's County officials to appoint a member to the Maryland Stadium Authority, demonstrating his engagement with local governance and development projects.

Overall, Barnes's legislative service is characterized by a commitment to addressing the needs of his constituents in the 21st district while navigating the complexities of state governance. His background in law and political advocacy informs his approach to policymaking, as he continues to serve in the Maryland House of Delegates.