John Burns elected speaker of the Georgia House for 2025–26

Representative John Burns was elected speaker of the Georgia House of Representatives for the 2025–2026 term on Monday after receiving 153 votes in the roll call, the chamber announced during the opening-day session.

Burns’s nomination was offered by Representative Butch Parrish, and seconded by Representative Darlene Taylor. Following the vote, the chair declared Burns elected speaker for the ensuing term.

Why it matters: The speaker controls the House agenda, committee assignments and has broad influence over which bills advance. Burns used his remarks after the vote to outline priorities he expects the chamber to pursue during the upcoming 40 legislative days.

Burns, introducing his remarks to the chamber after the oath and election, said, "I certainly am humbled and honored by your continued trust and confidence in me to lead this body." He listed a set of policy goals and accomplishments the House will continue to pursue, saying the chamber will "continue investing in education, bolstering literacy initiatives, increasing school safety" and prioritizing healthcare access and public safety.

During his speech Burns highlighted recent achievements and framed the coming session as an opportunity to continue that work. He said, "Together, we've passed the largest income tax reduction in our state's history and returned $1,000,000,000 to Georgia's hardworking taxpayers. Together, we've invested over $1,500,000,000 in our critical infrastructure in every corner of this state." Burns also told members "Let's get to work. It's time."

The election followed standard opening-day procedures: the secretary of state’s certification of representatives-elect was read into the record and the oath of office was administered by Justice Michael P. Boggs of the Supreme Court of Georgia earlier in the session.

What comes next: With Burns elected, the House moved forward on additional organizational business, including electing other officers and adopting procedural rules. Burns and other leaders emphasized support for a 40-day legislative calendar that leadership has proposed for planning purposes.

Speakers listed in the record who participated in the nomination and remarks included Representative Butch Parrish (nomination), Representative Darlene Taylor (second), and Speaker John Burns (elect). The official recorded vote was 153 in favor; the chair declared Burns elected.

Evidence: The nomination and vote are part of the official chamber record from the January 13, 2025 convening and appear in the transcript of the day's proceedings.