ATL Standard

ATLANTA – Speaker of the House Jon Burns (R-Newington) and other leaders gathered today to unveil a portrait honoring the late House Speaker David Ralston (R-Blue Ridge) that will be permanently displayed outside of the House Chamber in the Capitol.

“Speaker Ralston was a great leader, mentor and friend to me, and it is fitting that his portrait be placed outside of the House Chamber that he loved so much,” said Speaker Burns. “Speaker Ralston left an indelible mark on our state as a champion for rural Georgia and through his bipartisan work in areas like mental and behavioral health. This portrait will signify a lasting reminder of his service and dedication to our great state. A story seldom told is a story soon forgotten, and Speaker Ralston’s story will surely be told for generations to come.”

Governor Brian Kemp also shared his sentiments, stating, “David Ralston was an accomplished statesman, and a proud Georgian whose memory lives on under the Gold Dome. This portrait will serve as a lasting reminder of both what he accomplished during his years of public service and our shared memories with him. Marty, the girls and I are grateful for his dedication to our state.”

Former Governor Sonny Perdue, chancellor of the University System of Georgia, reflected on Speaker Ralston's legacy, saying, “David Ralston was a kid from a small town in North Georgia who became one of Georgia’s most distinguished public servants, someone who could bring people together no matter their differences and find a civil and respectful way to the best solution for Georgia... It is only fitting his portrait hangs here, in the people’s capitol, to remind us of all we should aspire to in service to this state and its great citizens.”

Former Governor Nathan Deal, who served alongside Speaker Ralston for over 20 years, also paid tribute, “He was an honorable, respectable and compassionate speaker who led with a servant’s heart to lift up Georgians across our state. Today and every day, we celebrate our speaker and my good friend from Blue Ridge, David Ralston.”

Speaker David Ralston, the 73rd Speaker of the Georgia House of Representatives, passed away in 2022 after an extended illness. At the time of his passing, he was the longest currently-serving state house speaker in the country, representing Georgia’s seventh House district which includes Fannin and Gilmer counties and a portion of Dawson County.