John Barrow

Democrat Representative of Georgia's 12th district

Representative
Georgia, district 12
January 4, 2005 - January 3, 2007
Representative
Georgia, district 12
January 4, 2007 - January 3, 2009
Representative
Georgia, district 12
January 6, 2009 - January 3, 2011
Representative
Georgia, district 12
January 5, 2011 - January 3, 2013
Representative
Georgia, district 12
January 3, 2013 - January 3, 2015

202-225-2823

http://barrow.house.gov

Congresses Served

House Terms

January 1, 1955 (70 years old)

Birthday

Served as the U.S. representative for Georgia’s 12th congressional district from 2005 to 2015.
Described as crafty and persistent, faced several tough reelection bids in a district that became increasingly Republican.
Survived redistricting efforts by GOP legislators aimed at complicating his reelection, moving twice to remain within district boundaries.
Defeated in 2014 by Republican Rick Allen in a closely-watched contest.
Was the Democratic nominee for Georgia Secretary of State in 2018 but lost to Republican Brad Raffensperger.
Ran for a seat on the Supreme Court of Georgia in 2024 but was defeated by sitting Justice Andrew Pinson.
Born in Athens, Georgia, to parents who served as military officers during World War II.
Graduated from the University of Georgia with a political science degree and earned a Juris Doctor from Harvard Law School.
Worked in private practice as a lawyer before entering public office.
Married with five children and is a Baptist.
Elected to the newly created Athens-Clarke County Commission in 1990 and won reelection multiple times.
Sponsored 59 bills during his time in Congress, including legislation aimed at improving healthcare, education, and small business support.
Served on the Committee on Energy and Commerce and its various subcommittees.
Supported by Barack Obama during the 2008 presidential primary, with Obama recording a radio advertisement for him.
Known for his centrist positions, being a Blue Dog Democrat and a member of the New Democrat Coalition.
Had a mixed record on issues such as civil rights, gun rights, healthcare, LGBT rights, stimulus spending, and intellectual property.