John Burns re-elected speaker of Georgia House; receives 153 votes

Representative John Burns was re-elected speaker of the Georgia House of Representatives for the 2025–2026 term on Monday, receiving 153 votes in the chamber’s opening-day election.

The vote followed a nomination from Representative Butch Parrish and a second from Representative Darlene Taylor. After the clerk closed nominations, the tally was announced: "the gentleman from the 159th, Representative Burns, has received 153 votes," and the chair declared Burns elected.

The election came after the secretary of state’s office read a certified list of representatives-elect for the 2025–2026 term, a roll call, and the administering of oaths of office at members’ desks by Chief Justice Michael P. Boggs of the Supreme Court of Georgia.

Why it matters: The speaker controls the chamber’s agenda, committee referrals and aspects of the legislative calendar. Burns used his remarks after election to lay out broad priorities for the upcoming 40-day session, emphasizing tax policy, infrastructure, health care and education.

In his remarks, Burns highlighted accomplishments from the previous biennium and set expectations for the session. "Together, we passed the largest income tax reduction in our state's history and returned $1,000,000,000 to Georgia's hardworking taxpayers," he said. He also listed investments in infrastructure and medical-education reform and said the chamber will prioritize literacy, school safety, public safety and mental-health supports during the session.

Procedural details: Representative Butch Parrish nominated Burns; Representative Darlene Taylor seconded. The clerk unlocked voting machines for the roll call; after members cast votes, the clerk locked the machines and announced the tally.

What’s next: Burns will preside over the 40-day schedule adopted by the legislature later in the day and will work with the House leadership and committees to advance legislation during the session.