Ben Barnes: Texas Political Phenomenon
Once likened to America’s third president Thomas Jefferson by Pres. Lyndon B. Johnson, Ben Barnes, politician, remains one of Texas’ most memorable political figures. His unplanned and unorthodox rise to political power was the fruit of his vigilance and sincere dedication toward democratic ideals. His discovery of financial wrongdoing while working at the Texas State Health Department led to the prosecution of the State Health Commissioner. In 1960, while still in college, he ran for office as a Democrat and won a landslide victory. Ben Barnes, politician, became the representative of four counties of West-Central Texas in his early 20s.
In 1965, Ben Barnes succeeded Byron M. Tunnell and became the youngest Speaker of Texas House of Representatives at the age of 26. He became active not only in the local and national political scene, but in the international political community as well. In 1967, he was named U.S. representative to the NATO conference and the United Nations Representative in Geneva the year after. His excellent track record as legislator and diplomat would help him win the office of the Texas Lieutenant governor in 1969, making him the youngest Texan ever to hold that powerful position in state history. Since his exit from the political scene in 1973, Ben Barnes, politician, has remained active and visible in the state and nation’s political life through his lobbying and advocacy work.
