David Ralston, the Speaker of the Georgia House of Representatives, passed away on Wednesday, November 16, 2022, at the age of 68. He died after an “extended illness”, according to his spokesperson Kaleb McMichen Ralston was the longest-serving Republican speaker in state history and the second most powerful leader in Georgia state government His death has sparked an outpouring of tributes from his colleagues, friends, and political opponents, who praised his legacy of service, leadership, and civility.
A Career in Public Service
Ralston was born in Ellijay, Georgia, on March 14, 1954. He attended Young Harris College, graduated from North Georgia College and State University, and later from the University of Georgia School of Law He began his career as a lawyer in Blue Ridge, specializing in criminal defense and personal injury cases
He entered politics in 1992, when he was elected to the Georgia Senate as a Democrat. He switched parties in 1998 and ran for attorney general as a Republican, but lost to Thurbert Baker He returned to the legislature in 2002, when he was elected to the Georgia House of Representatives for the 7th district.
He became the Speaker of the House in 2010, following the resignation of Glenn Richardson amid a scandal. He was the first state House speaker from north Georgia in more than 150 years. He held the position for 13 years, until he announced his decision to step down on November 4, 2022, citing health concerns. He said he hoped to continue serving as a member of the House until his term ended in January 2023.
A Legacy of Leadership
As the Speaker of the House, Ralston wielded immense influence over the state’s taxes, spending, and laws. He was known for his conservative agenda, but also for his willingness to work across party lines and find common ground on some issues.
He spearheaded several initiatives that benefited the state’s economy, such as passing the first-ever income tax cut in 2018 and eliminating the sales tax on manufacturers. He also championed reforms to improve the state’s education system, transportation infrastructure, and health care access.
He was instrumental in passing a state hate crimes law in 2020, following the murder of Ahmaud Arbery, a Black man who was chased and shot by white men while jogging in Brunswick. He also supported changes to Georgia’s election process, such as the Election Integrity Act of 2021, which he said was aimed at increasing voter security and confidence. However, critics argued that the law was intended to disenfranchise voters and lower turnout, especially among minorities and Democrats.
Ralston faced some controversies during his tenure as well. In 2016, he received a minor reprimand from the state bar for inadvertently breaking bar rules in his private law practice. In 2019, he was accused of using his position as speaker to delay court cases for his clients, some of whom faced serious charges such as child molestation and domestic violence. He denied any wrongdoing and said he was following his ethical obligations as a lawyer.
A Model of Civility
Despite his political differences with some of his colleagues and opponents, Ralston was widely respected for his demeanor and decorum. He treated everyone with respect and dignity, and fostered a culture of civility and cooperation in the House.
He had a close friendship with Calvin Smyre, a Democrat from Columbus who is the longest-serving member of the House. Smyre said Ralston was “a great pine tree” in the legislature and “a model of civility”.
He also had a cordial relationship with Governor Brian Kemp, a fellow Republican who often disagreed with him on some issues. Kemp ordered flags flown at half-staff until Ralston’s burial and said his body will lie in repose at the Georgia Capitol. Kemp said Ralston was “one of our state’s true giants” and “a man of integrity”.
Ralston is survived by his wife Sheree and two adult children. Funeral arrangements will be announced later.
Ralston’s death marks the end of an era in Georgia politics. He leaves behind a legacy of service, leadership, and civility that will be remembered by many Georgians for years to come.
