Manly Barton

Manly George Barton (born March 14, 1949) is an American politician. He is a member of the Mississippi House of Representatives from the 109th District, being first elected in 2011. He was elected Speaker pro tempore in 2024. He is a member of the Republican party.

Early life Manly Barton was born March 14, 1949, in Mobile, Alabama. He graduated from Vancleave High School and Alabama Christian College.

Career Barton is a retired systems analyst for Chevron. As supervisor, Barton testified to the House of Representatives on the effects of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill on South Mississippi.

Upon the retirement of state Rep. Frank Hamilton, Barton decided to run for the 109th district in the Mississippi House of Representatives. During the campaign, he emphasized economic development, education, rural issues, and infrastructure funding. He was elected to represent the 109th district in 2011 after a competitive primary and assumed office in 2012 after an uncontested general election. Barton defeated a third-party Libertarian candidate in 2015 with 87.7% of the vote, and had uncompetitive general elections in 2019 and 2023.

He was elected Speaker pro tempore in 2024, serving under Speaker Jason White.

Personal life He is married to Sarah Thornton and is of Methodist faith. Barton's son, an Ocean Springs teacher, died in 2023.

Barton is a member of the Military Order Purple Heart, American Legion, VFW, National Rifle Association of America, and East Central Civic Organization.