Introduction
David Ralston is a Republican member of the Georgia House of Representatives for the 7th district, encompassing parts of Dawson County, Fannin County, and Gilmer County. Since January 11, 2010, he served as its 73rd Speaker.
Biography
David Ralston was born in Ellijay, Georgia. He attended Young Harris College, graduated from North Georgia College and State University, and later from the University of Georgia School of Law.
From 1992 to 1998, he served as a member of the Georgia Senate. In 2002, he was elected to the Georgia House of Representatives for the 7th district. He became its Speaker in 2010, following the resignation of Glenn Richardson. As such, he is the first state house speaker from North Georgia in more than 150 years.
He also works as an attorney in Blue Ridge, Georgia. He is a member of the Fannin County Chamber of Commerce, the Blue Ridge Mountains Arts Association, and the Blue Ridge Lions Club. He has two children.