Ben Barnes

Ben Barnes is a candidate for House of Delegates Primary Election in 2026 in Legislative District 21, Maryland. Running as Democratic.

House of Delegates in Legislative District 21, Maryland

Also running: Mary A. Lehman, Joseline A. Peña-Melnyk.

Ben Barnes, an attorney by profession, is a Democratic member of the Maryland House of Delegates, representing District 21 since his first election in 2006. He currently holds the influential position of Chair of the House Appropriations Committee. Born in Peoria, Illinois, Barnes was raised in Prince George's County, Maryland. His academic background includes a Bachelor's degree in economics and political science from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. He later earned a Juris Doctor from the University of Baltimore, School of Law. Prior to his service in the House of Delegates, he gained legislative experience working as an aide to the Maryland Senate President. He resides in College Park with his wife and three children.