Ben Barnes: The Author
Ben Barnes, former Lt. Governor of Texas and consummate politician, brings to life the backroom deals and high drama of state and national politics in his riveting memoir, Barn Burning Barn Building. From his years as Texas’s youngest House Speaker to his near-ascension to national politics, Ben Barnes gives a colorful, exciting, and often heartbreaking account of a life in politics. Ben Barnes invites his readers to see what really happened during some of America’s most turbulent times. read more...
About Ben Barnes Politician, Author, Texan
Ben Barnes, former Texas Lieutenant Governor and House Speaker was born in Gorman, Texas, on April 17, 1938. He graduated from DeLeon High School in 1956. Ben Barnes eventually graduated from the University of Texas, Austin, and started on his law degree there.
Ben Barnes launched his fledgling political career while he was still at student at the University of Texas. To make ends meet, he worked at the Texas State Health Department. At the risk of losing his job, Ben Barnes exposed an embezzling scheme, which led to the firing of three dishonest Health Department employees. Emboldened by this success, Ben Barnes went on to run for state representative of his home area at the age of 21. He won an upset victory, and rapidly rose in the ranks of the Texas Democratic Party. By 1963, Ben Barnes rose to chairman of the powerful Rules Committee.
From 1965 to 1969, Ben Barnes served as the State Speaker of the House in Texas, the youngest person to ever serve in that position. During his tenure, Ben Barnes oversaw increased spending on health care for elderly and the disabled, environmental protection, and education. From 1969 to 1973, Ben Barnes served two terms as lieutenant governor.
After retiring from politics, Ben Barnes remained active in Texas philanthropy and community service. Ben Barnes has served as the Council Advisor for the Texas Civil Rights Project, and has also volunteered for the American Heart Association, the American Cancer Society, and the Democratic Majority Trust. Ben Barnes currently serves as the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Boys and Girls Club of the Capital Area in Austin, and is a regular contributor the People’s Community Clinic in Austin, the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and School of Public Affairs, the Huntington Art Gallery and the Longhorn Foundation. The Ben Barnes Fellowship in Public Leadership at the University of Texas, a scholarship for students seeking a career in public leadership at the University of Texas, is named in honor of Ben Barnes’s service to Texas.