Result

Georgia House Speaker Jon G. Burns (R-GA) won reelection to Georgia State House District 159 in the Nov. 3 general election, running unopposed and retaining the seat he has held since 2005. Burns defeated fellow Republican Nathan Hooks in the May 19 primary, receiving 5,108 votes, or 75.2%, compared with Hooks' 1,689 votes, or 24.8%. ​

Candidates and platforms

Burns' legislative agenda focuses on property tax relief, health care access, early education and affordability.

  • Friends of Jon Burns, in its Legislative Priorities material, says he proposed a plan to enable the statewide elimination of homestead property taxes. The proposal aims to prevent homeowners from being priced out of their homes as property valuations rise.
  • The Georgia Republican House Caucus says Burns called for expanding medical education opportunities to increase access to quality, affordable health care.
  • James Magazine Online reported that Burns' agenda called for a literacy coach in every elementary school and additional resources for early childhood education from birth to age 5.
  • Friends of Jon Burns says the House agenda would build on previous tax cuts, insurance premium reductions, cost-saving measures, education initiatives and health care investments.

Hooks, who challenged Burns in the Republican primary, emphasized legislative transparency and opposition to abortion. His campaign website describes his priorities as protecting unborn children and increasing government accountability.

District and chamber

District 159 includes Screven County and portions of Effingham and Bulloch counties in southeastern Georgia. Burns was first elected to the Georgia House in 2004 and became the chamber's 75th speaker in January 2023. He previously served as House majority leader from 2015 until becoming speaker.

Burns' reelection comes as Democrats have won control of the Georgia House for the first time since 2004, ending more than two decades of Republican leadership. As of Nov. 11, Democrats had won 91 seats and Republicans 87, with two contests unresolved, according to an analysis of unofficial election results. Democrats entered the election holding 81 seats, compared with Republicans' 99.

The Democratic victory puts House Minority Leader Carolyn Hugley (D-GA) in position to succeed Burns as speaker when the new General Assembly convenes in January. Hugley would become the first Black woman to lead the Georgia House. Burns will retain his District 159 seat but is expected to lose the speakership when Democrats assume their majority.

Republicans retained control of the Georgia Senate, meaning the next legislative session will begin with divided control of the General Assembly.

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