ATLANTA — On Tuesday, Georgia House Republicans made a decision to retain their leadership team for the upcoming two-year term.
At a meeting held within the state Capitol, they officially renominated Jon Burns from Newington for the role of speaker, a significant position that generally ranks just behind the governor in state government influence.
The entire House is set to vote on this position when it reconvenes in January. Although the Republicans experienced a loss of two seats in the recent election, they continue to hold a majority, which makes Burns’s re-election likely. The Republican contingent is poised to command 100 seats compared to the Democrats’ 80.
“As we look ahead to January, I am very confident in the strength of the majority we’ve worked hard to defend, and I am convinced there is no challenge too large for us to tackle,” Burns expressed.
Residing in a rural area of Effingham County, located west of Savannah, Burns has a background in the farm supply industry. He was appointed as speaker in November 2022, taking over from the late former speaker David Ralston.
In the House chamber, Burns celebrated the achievements of the previous Republican assembly, which included tax cuts, investments in infrastructure, funding for pre-kindergarten programs, literacy initiatives, measures to combat illegal immigration, and heightened penalties for specific crimes.
Looking ahead to the next year, Burns noted that the chamber would focus on educational investments and enhancing healthcare accessibility. He has indicated a willingness to explore the option of Medicaid expansion.
“We remain committed to supporting taxpayers and businesses of all sizes across Georgia,” Burns stated. “We will strive to assist Georgia’s growing families and create opportunities for economic security and mobility for each resident of our state.”
Following a tragic shooting incident at Apalachee High School just north of Atlanta, Burns mentioned in September that legislators would contemplate policies aimed at bolstering mental health support in schools, improving gun detection measures, and promoting safe gun storage practices by 2025, aligning with initiatives being discussed in Georgia’s Senate as well.
“We will take steps to enhance school safety and make every reasonable effort to prevent a tragedy like the one at Apalachee High School from recurring, while also respecting the rights and privileges of our law-abiding citizens,” Burns remarked after his nomination.
Additionally, Republicans have retained Rep. Jan Jones of Milton in the position of House Speaker Pro Tem and Rep. Chuck Efstration of Dacula as the majority leader. Rep. James Burchett of Waycross will continue as whip, while Rep. Houston Gaines of Athens will maintain his role as vice chair and Rep. Bruce Williamson III of Monroe will stay on as caucus chair.