David Ralston plans to devote all his legislative energies to representing the people of the 7th District as he steps away from his post as Speaker of the Georgia House of Representatives.
Ralston announced Friday, November 4, he will not seek the nomination as Speaker for the 2023-2024 legislative session.
Ralston was first elected to the House in 2002 and first elected Speaker in 2010. He leaves that post as the longest, currently serving house speaker in the country.
“Serving as Speaker of the Georgia House of Representatives has been the honor of a lifetime, and I owe a heartfelt thank you to my colleagues for the trust and confidence they placed in me 13 years ago,” Ralston said in his announcement.
“I need to take time to address a health challenge which has arisen recently, and the House needs a Speaker who can devote the necessary time and energy to the office. I love the House and want to see the honorable men and women who serve in it succeed. I will work the remainder of my term as Speaker to ensure a smooth transition for my successor,” he continued.
In a separate message to the people of the 7th District, Ralston wrote, “To the good people of Georgia House District 7: To everything there is a season, and today I announced my season of serving as Speaker of the Georgia House of Representatives will come to a close in January. Recently, a health challenge has arisen that I need to address.
“It’s the privilege of my lifetime to represent you and your families at the capitol. In the 2023-2024 session, if re-elected by you, I intend to serve as your representative and voice down at the capitol. Thank you for your support, your friendship and your love over the years. I pray that God blesses each of you and your families and that our best days are still ahead,” Ralston wrote.
“I intend to serve out the next term...and fulfill the duties they have entrusted to me,” Ralston said in his announcement.
“I want to thank all the staff members who have assisted me throughout the years, particularly my Chief of Staff Spiro Amburn who has been by my side from the beginning,” said Speaker Ralston. “I could not have done all of this without the love and support of my family, particularly my wife, Sheree, and our children. They have been my rock, and I love them very much,” Ralston said.