Georgians react to death of longtime Georgia House speaker David Ralston

ATLANTA, Ga. — The United States’ longest-serving Republican state House speaker, Georgia’s David Ralston, died Wednesday after an extended illness.

He was 68 years old.

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Ralston had recently decided to not pursue another term as speaker, a job he had held since 2010, citing health concerns. Ralston had said he would remain a member of the Georgia House.

Tributes to Ralston’s long history of service in Georgia starting pouring in shortly after Channel 2 Action News broke the news of his death.

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Governor Brian Kemp:

“Speaker Ralston was a pioneer in the growth of Georgia’s Republican leadership and leaves an indelible mark on this state. His last session as speaker will long be remembered for his landmark mental health reform bill, helping Georgians fight through inflation, and passing a historic income tax cut that puts more money in the pockets of taxpayers for years to come. We are also especially proud of our previous bipartisan efforts on reforming the citizens’ arrest law and adding an anti-hate crime statute to the Georgia code, which would not have happened without the Speaker’s steadfast leadership. These historic accomplishments were only a handful of the numerous hallmarks of David Ralston’s decades-long service to Georgia.

"Marty, the girls, and I are holding Sheree and the entire Ralston family in our prayers, as well as current and former House members, staff, and his Capitol friends. Today, our state lost one of its giants, our family lost a dear friend, and all Georgians lost a true leader."

Gov. Kemp also ordered flags across the state to be lowered to half-staff.

State Representative Jon Burns:

Burns was nominated to replace Ralston as Speaker of the House prior to Ralston’s death.

“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.”

Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens:

“I am deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Georgia House Speaker David Ralston.

“We were aligned on many issues that affected the lives of Atlantans. And when we were not, I could always count on the Speaker to be open to differing points of view. He and I shared a commitment to drawing circles of inclusion, rather than lines of exclusion, even when it meant crossing party lines.

“Speaker Ralston was a wise and fair leader, whose love for Georgia was immense. He was a valued and vocal partner for us as we fought to keep Atlanta whole. And he is leaving some mighty big shoes to fill under the Gold Dome.

“On behalf of the City of Atlanta, I offer my condolences to his loved ones. Rest easy, my friend.”

Sen. Raphael Warnock:

“Georgia is made better by leaders like David Ralston. I am praying for Speaker Ralston’s family and his loved ones during this difficult time. May his example of leadership and civility endure through the lives he touched.”

University System of Georgia Chancellor Sonny Perdue:

Perdue also served as governor of Georgia from 2003-2011.

“Speaker David Ralston was a steadfast friend of the University System of Georgia and someone who epitomized the spirit of a great citizen legislator and leader. His vision helped create the University of North Georgia’s new Blue Ridge campus while his guidance helped set the tone for accountability and affordability on behalf of our students. We knew each other for a long time, back to my own service in the General Assembly, and I was proud to call him my friend. Georgia has lost a statesman and a gentleman, and we are holding his wife and family in our prayers.”

Georgia GOP Chair David Shafer:

DeKalb County GOP

Georgia Senate Democrats:

Rep. Scott Holcomb:

Councilmember Liliana Bakhtiari:

“Speaker Ralston was a giant in the State of Georgia.”While we differed greatly in our politics, the Speaker was always gracious, respectful, and willing to work together where there was common ground. His was a model Speakership, one whose legacy and impact will be felt throughout Georgia for years to come.”On behalf of myself, Kris, Sarah, and all of District 5, we thank the Speaker for his decades of service, and our thoughts remain with his beloved wife, Sheree, and children, Elizabeth and Matt.”

Georgia House Democrats:

“It is with great sadness for Georgia House Democrats to learn of the passing of Speaker Ralston. We extend our sincere condolences to his wife, family, loved ones, and all who were touched by his leadership.

Dean Calvin Smyre said: “A great pine tree has fallen in the Georgia House of Representatives. Speaker David Ralston was my friend and we worked closely on many issues facing Georgia. His leadership will be sorely missed. My prayers are with the Ralston family during these difficult times.”

Leader James Beverly said: “It is with profound sadness and grief that I found out today that Speaker Ralston has passed. Words cannot begin to express my sorrow for his family, for his friends, and for the great state of Georgia, and especially for the House. He was truly a giant amongst men, a friend indeed.”

Georgia House Speaker David Ralston dies at age 68 The news comes after Ralston announced earlier this month that he was stepping down as speaker because of a “health challenge.”

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