Political Rewind: Speaker Ralston 'Taking A Look' At Possible Senate Run; Kemp To End Mask Mandates

Credit: Riley Bunch, GPB News

Friday on Political Rewind: House Speaker David Ralston (R-Blue Ridge) joined the show to discuss a recent visit with Republican leaders in Congress and speculation he is considering a run for the U.S. Senate in 2022.

Ralston, a top leader of Republican lawmakers in the General Assembly, said he was interested in the role representing Georgia in the U.S. Congress, but had not made a decision yet.

"Decision-making is a process, not an event," the Blue Ridge Republican told us. "And so we're kind of taking a look and seeing how it feels."

Ralston has served in the state House of Representatives since 2002 and represents House District 7, which includes Fannin and Gilmer counties and a portion of Dawson County in north Georgia. He is the 73rd Speaker of the Georgia House, a position he has held since 2010.

Ralston said he loves his current job working with state lawmakers, but said his concerns about the direction of the country were part of the reason he is interested in a Senate run. 

"The thought of making a difference and giving the majority back to the Republicans in the Senate would certainly have some appeal," he said.

In other news, Gov. Brian Kemp is preparing an executive order to ban school districts from issuing mask mandates. With cases of the coronavirus dropping dramatically, Kemp told reporters he believes the time for mandates is over.

Questions remain whether the governor has the legal authority to assert power over local schools, and his order may end up being challenged in court.

Panelists:

Patricia Murphy — Political Reporter and Columnist, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Rep. Chuck Efstration — State Representative (R-Dacula)

Rep. Teri Anulewicz — State Representative (D-Smyrna)