Robert Barnes was a passionate advocate for his candidates and causes. He was responsible for electing more gay and lesbian candidates to office than any other political consultant in California. He also co-managed the first domestic partners initiative in San Francisco.
Barnes served as consultant and advisor to dozens of elected officials, including Mayor Willie Brown, City Attorney Dennis Herrera, Supervisor Mark Leno, and Assemblywoman Carole Migden. He was a consultant for many important civic institutions and their bond campaigns, including San Francisco City College, San Francisco Unified School District, Laguna Honda Hospital, California Academy of Sciences, the De Young Museum, and the San Francisco Public Library.
Robert Barnes' commitment to gay rights, social change, and political involvement began early. He founded one of the nation's first teenage gay clubs at San Francisco's Lowell High School. At the encouragement of the late Supervisor Harvey Milk, the 18 year old worked as the youth coordinator for the No on Proposition 6 campaign to defeat the ant-gay "Briggs" initiative.
Barnes held numerous leadership positions in Democratic and LGBT community organizations. He was Chair of the Lesbian and Gay Caucus of the State Democratic Party and was elected to the San Francisco Democratic County Central Committee. As president of the Alice B. Toklas Lesbian and Gay Democratic Club, he transformed the organization into one of the most influential local gay political organizations in the country.
Robert loved San Francisco and was grateful for its tolerant climate that encouraged his success. San Francisco was well served by his passionate convictions and advocacy.
To his partner and middle-school classmate Carlos Molina, his father Bob, and
his sister Mauri Barnes Luna, I extend my deepest sympathy. I hope it is a comfort
to his family that so many people share their loss at this sad time.