Annual South Georgia Tour + Last Day of Early Voting
Members of the House have been hard at work sharing our legislative accomplishments and plans for 2026 with constituents and voters across the state.
From historic tax cuts and rebates to healthcare, public safety, and education—House Republicans have delivered results on the issues that are most important to each of our neighbors in every corner of the state. We’re committed to building on that success to keep Georgia the best place to live, work, and raise a family for generations to come.
Each year, I travel across South Georgia to support our delegation on the campaign trail. It was great to meet with members and friends from Warner Robins to Statesboro this week as we work to secure and expand our majority ahead of next year’s elections.
I kicked off the tour on Tuesday in Warner Robins with Chairman Shaw Blackmon, Representative Bethany Ballard, Chairman Noel Williams, and Chairman Robert Dickey. Whether it’s tax policy, agriculture, banking, or education, each of these members brings a unique expertise to our team in the House, which allows us to make a meaningful difference for the people of Georgia.
Pictured with Chairman Shaw Blackmon, Chairman Noel Williams, Representative Bethany Ballard, Chairman Robert Dickey, and Senate President Pro Tem Larry Walker
Next, I headed to Thomasville to support Chairlady Darlene Taylor. Chairlady Taylor has served her community with unwavering dedication for over a decade, and her leadership has been invaluable as we work to increase access to quality, affordable healthcare throughout the state.
Pictured with Chairlady Darlene Taylor at her reception in Thomasville
I ended the day on Tuesday in Albany with Chairmen Gerald Greene and Bill Yearta, who are tireless advocates for their communities in Southwest Georgia. When Georgia Pacific announced the closure of its Cedar Springs Mill earlier this year, Chairmen Greene and Yearta worked around the clock to assist the individuals who were facing unemployment and provide their constituents with the resources they needed to get back on their feet. I’m grateful for their service and look forward to their continued leadership in the House.
Pictured with House Majority Leader Chuck Efstration, Chairman Gerald Greene, and Chairman Bill Yearta in Albany
On Wednesday, I joined Representative Steven Meeks at Mossy Pond Lodge in Patterson for his annual Peanuts, Pines, and Politics reception. He has been an incredible partner as we navigate the changing forestry landscape and work to deliver relief to one of our state’s most critical industries.
Pictured with Chairman Steven Meeks at his annual Peanuts, Pines, and Politics Reception
I started the day on Thursday in Savannah with Chairman Ron Stephens, Chairman Jesse Petrea, and Chairman Bill Hitchens. Southeast Georgia has emerged as an economic powerhouse for our entire state, and that’s due in large part to the strong, conservative leadership of our delegation in the House.
Pictured with Chairmen Jesse Petrea, Bill Hitchens, and Ron Stephens at their reception in Savannah
The South Georgia Tour wrapped up on Thursday in Statesboro with Representatives Lehman Franklin, Butch Parrish, James Burchett, Leesa Hagan, and Bill Werkheiser. These members understand the issues that are most important to rural communities across the state, and we look forward to being back under the Gold Dome in just a couple of short months to pass policies that secure a better, brighter future for each one of our neighbors.
Pictured with Chairman Ron Stephens, Chairlady Leesa Hagan, Chairman Butch Parrish, Chairman Lehman Franklin, and Majority Whip James Burchett at their reception in Statesboro
Last Day of Early Voting
Today is the last day to vote early in the November 4th election, where there are several important measures and races on the ballot in every community.
I encourage everyone to get out and cast their ballots for incumbent PSC candidates Tim Echols and Fitz Johnson. While states across the nation face rolling blackouts and brownouts, skyrocketing energy costs, and failing energy infrastructure, Georgia’s conservative PSC has fought to keep our rates well below the national average and make Georgia a leader in providing our citizens with sustainable, reliable energy.
Effingham County residents will also have an opportunity to vote for a renewal of the ESPLOST that has supported the students in our community over the last five years. Education is one of the most important investments we can make for the future of our state. That’s why Dayle and I were proud to vote YES on the ESPLOST renewal.
My best,
Speaker Jon Burns