| Benjamin W. Robbins is an American attorney and politician who has served as a Republican member of the Alabama House of Representatives for District 33 since January 26, 2021. Born around 1983, Robbins is a seventh-generation Alabama native and the grandson of former Childersburg Mayor Robert Limbaugh. He represents parts of Coosa, Talladega, and Clay counties in the Alabama legislature.
Robbins graduated from Talladega High School in 2001 and began his higher education journey at Samford University, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in history in 2005. He continued his education at Mississippi State University, obtaining a Master of Arts in Modern American History in 2009, followed by a Juris Doctor degree from St. Thomas University Law School in 2012. During his academic career, he served as a legislative correspondent for Republican U.S. Senator Richard Shelby from 2007 to 2008.
In 2014, Robbins established his own law firm in Sylacauga, Robbins & Robbins, Attorneys At Law, where he has practiced for over a decade. His legal practice has provided him with extensive experience in various areas of law while maintaining strong community ties in Talladega County.
Robbins's political career began with an unsuccessful challenge against incumbent Representative Ronald Johnson in the 2018 Republican primary, where he received 48.3% of the vote to Johnson's 51.7%. Following Johnson's death on July 14, 2020, a special election was scheduled for January 19, 2021. Robbins passed through the Republican primary unopposed and faced Democrat Fred Crum in the general election. On January 19, 2021, Robbins defeated Crum with 68.2% of the vote to 31.7%, officially taking office on January 26, 2021.
Throughout his legislative tenure, Robbins has served on several key committees, including the Judiciary Committee and the Boards, Agencies, and Commissions Committee. He has been active in sponsoring legislation addressing various issues affecting Alabama residents. Notable bills he has sponsored include HB437, which established a shark alert system implemented by the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, and HB449, which created crimes of unlawful use of DNA with criminal penalties. He has also sponsored legislation related to mechanics liens on aircraft and veterans' assistance programs.
Robbins has demonstrated particular attention to issues affecting rural Alabama communities, as evidenced by his response to the influx of Haitian migrants in Sylacauga. In a letter to Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, he expressed concerns about the lack of resources in rural Alabama to support relocated immigrants and demanded answers about federal policies regarding refugee relocation.
His commitment to education is reflected in his $5,000 donation to Central Alabama Community College in April 2025 to support student success initiatives, workforce development, and academic programs. This contribution demonstrates his ongoing investment in educational opportunities within his district.
Robbins has maintained extensive community involvement throughout his career, serving in various leadership roles within Sylacauga and Talladega County. He has served as co-president of Leadership Sylacauga and as past president of the Talladega Rotary Club. He is also active with multiple community boards, including Habitat for Humanity, and participates in several local Chambers of Commerce and the Sylacauga Young Professionals organization.
In his personal life, Robbins is married to Melanie Robbins, and they have one son named Gabe, who was born around 2021. The family resides in the Sylacauga area, where Robbins continues to balance his responsibilities as a state representative, attorney, and community leader.
Robbins was re-elected to represent District 33 in the November 2022 general election, continuing his service in the Alabama House of Representatives. His current term is scheduled to end on November 4, 2026. As a legislator, he has established himself as an advocate for conservative values, rural Alabama interests, and community development within his district. |