David Ralston, Georgia House Speaker, Dies At 68

ATLANTA, GA — David Ralston, the Speaker of the Georgia House of Representatives, died Wednesday. Ralston was 68.

His cause of death was due to an "extended illness," Kaleb McMichen, Ralston's communication director, said in a statement.

His wife and children, along with other family members, were with him at the time of his death, according to the statement.

Ralston, who was the 73rd Speaker of the House, announced in early November his intention to stay on as Georgia state represenative but said he would not pursue nomination as house speaker due to health concerns. He ran unopposed and was re-elected as state representative in the Nov. 8 midterm election.

Ralston was first elected to the House in 2002 and was first elected as Speaker of the House in 2010. He represented Georgia's 7th district, which includes Fannin, Gilmer and part of Dawson counties.

He was the longest currently-serving state house speaker in the country.

During his time as speaker, Ralston lended his legislative efforts toward the Transportation Funding Act of 2015 and the "largest-ever income tax cut in state history," the release said.

He was also key in the comprehensive adoption form in 2018 and Georgia's first-ever paid parental leave policy state employees and teachers in 2021, the release said.

The House of Representatives selected House Majority Leader Jon Burns as Ralston's successor.

According to a release, Speaker Pro Tempore Jan Jones is now the 74th Speaker of the House to finish Ralston's term, which ends in January.

Top state officials took to social media to share thoughts of remembrance.

State Rep. Houston Gaines said Ralston was an unbelievable leader.

"There was simply no one finer our state has ever seen. He was our speaker — he helped guide Georgia through some tough times. He’s made our state a better, kinder place. And he’s made so many of us better human beings," Gaines said.

"He was an amazing father and husband. He cared deeply about others. He simply loved people and loved making a difference. He loved life — behind his serious demeanor, he was extremely witty and funny. He could scare the ---- of you — and he could have you laughing to no end (sometimes he’d scare the ---- out of you, but it was a joke the whole time). He was a huge Dawgs fan — we had some great times together watching the Dawgs in Athens and around the country at bowl games. I’ll never forget being with him after the Rose Bowl or the National Championship — or our final phone call before Georgia beat Florida a few weeks ago.

"Speaker Ralston taught me so much. He always had the greatest advice and never steered me wrong. He was the most skilled politician I’ve ever been around. But he wasn’t a politician — he was a statesman. I will be forever grateful for his friendship and forever indebted to him for all he’s done for me.

"I join the entire state in praying for his wife, Sheree, and his children — and the entire Ralston family. We love you and miss you, Mr. Speaker."

The Department of Public Safety sent its condolences in a statement posted to Facebook.

"We send our heartfelt condolences to the family of Speaker David Ralston, who passed away today. He was a cherished friend of the Department of Public Safety and will be dearly missed," the statement read.

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