Samuel Augustus Gordon Barnes (August 10, 1875[1] – April 14, 1941) was a Canadian teacher, insurance salesman and politician from Alberta.

He also served as a member of the Legislative Assembly of Alberta from 1935 to 1940 sitting with the Social Credit caucus in government and later as an Independent in opposition.

He lived in the town for five years before moving east to attend the University of Manitoba for a degree in mathematics.

[2] Barnes began his political career running for a seat as a trustee on the Edmonton Public School Board in the 1910 municipal election.

All candidates running for school board were elected, with Barnes finishing in third place to take another 2 year term.

[4] With the reset of election cycles after the city merger Barnes two year term was cut short.

He was easily re-elected winning the second place seat, and coming just shy of heading the polls.

[8] He stood for re-election in the general election held that year and won easily heading the polls over the field of eight candidates.

He finished first for the fourth time in a row winning his largest popular vote to date.

While still holding his provincial seat, Barnes made a final bid for public office by running for mayor of Edmonton.

He was defeated in a landslide by John Wesley Fry in a two way race taking only 19.12% of the popular vote.

[2] After the demise of his political career with his unsuccessful run for mayor and his defeat from the Legislature, Barnes continued on with his insurance practice.