ATLANTA (AP) — Republicans in the Georgia House of Representatives decided Tuesday to keep their leadership team for the next two years.
At the rally at the state Capitol on Tuesday, Republicans named Jon Burns of Newington as speaker, a position that is traditionally the second-largest post in state government after the governor.
The full House will vote on the position when it reconvenes in January. Republicans lost two seats after the election but still have the majority, meaning Burns is likely to win. Republicans are on track to hold 100 seats, compared to 80 seats for Democrats.
“As we look forward to January, I am incredibly confident in the strength of the majority we have worked to defend, and I know there is no problem too big for us to address,” Burns said .
Burns, who lives in a rural area of Effingham County west of Savannah, has worked in the agricultural supplies industry. He was elected Speaker in November 2022, succeeding the tardy former Speaker David Ralston.
On the House floor, Burns touted Republicans’ successful efforts from last session, including tax cuts, infrastructure investments, funding for preschool programs, literacy initiatives, “cracking down on illegal immigration” and increased penalties for certain crimes.
Next year, Burns said, the chamber will work to invest in education and improve access to health care. Burns recently signaled that he is open to expanding Medicaid.
“We will continue to advocate for taxpayers and businesses of all sizes across the state,” Burns added. “We will continue to support Georgia’s growing families and provide opportunities for economic security and mobility for every citizen of our state.”
After a deadly shooting at Apalachee High School north of Atlanta, Burns said in September that lawmakers would consider measures in 2025 to support mental health in schools, identify weapons and encourage people to store guns safely . The Georgia Senate is considering similar measures.
“We will address school safety and ensure we take all appropriate measures to ensure that a tragedy like the one that occurred at Apalachee High School never happens again in our state, while upholding the rights and privileges of ours uphold law-abiding citizens,” Burns said after he was nominated.
Republicans retained Rep. Jan Jones of Milton as interim speaker of the House and Rep. Chuck Efstration of Dacula as majority leader. Rep. James Burchett of Waycross remains caucus chair, while Rep. Houston Gaines of Athens remains vice chair and Rep. Bruce Williamson III of Monroe remains caucus chair.
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Kramon is a corps member for the Associated Press/Report for America Statehouse News Initiative. Report for America is a nonprofit national service program that places journalists in local newsrooms to report on undercovered issues. Follow Kramon on X: @charlottekramon
