2 go to runoff for Georgia House seat of ex-speaker Ralston

Former Georgia House Speaker David Ralston died on Nov. 16 at age 68, leading to a special election to fill his seat in House District 7.

David Goldman / Associated Press

The widow of former Georgia House Speaker David Ralston and a Blue Ridge banker will face off in a Jan. 31 runoff after none of five Republicans won a majority in a special election Tuesday to fill Ralston’s seat in House District 7.

Sheree Ralston of Blue Ridge, the executive director of the Fannin County Development Authority and Ralston’s widow, won about 45% of the vote, falling short of a required majority, according to unofficial totals.

Johnny Chastain, a Blue Ridge banker and Fannin County Development Authority member, won about 39% of the vote.