Georgia House Speaker David Ralston has died at age 68

Alison Guillory / WABE

Audio reporting by WABE “All Things Considered” host Jim Burress

Georgia House Speaker David Ralston died Wednesday at 68, spokesperson Kaleb McMichen said, less than two weeks after he announced he was stepping down because of health concerns.

A statement issued by McMichen said only that Ralston had died after “an extended illness.” The Blue Ridge Republican became Georgia state government’s second most powerful leader during his 13 years leading the 180-member House.