David Ralston, longtime speaker of the Georgia House of Representatives, died on Wednesday at the age of 68 following an extended illness.
State Representative Jon Burns (R-Newington), who has been nominated as the Speaker of the House for the 2023-2024 legislation, issued this statement on Ralston’s passing –
“I am deeply saddened by the loss of Speaker David Ralston. Georgia has lost a titan of our political world, and, more importantly, I have lost a dear friend. As a leader, Speaker Ralston was selfless and brave – always willing to place the good of Georgians ahead of his own personal gain. As a friend, he was fiercely loyal – always willing to provide wise counsel and support. Our state will miss him greatly. I will miss him always.”