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Georgia House Speaker Pro Tem Jan Jones to Retire After Over Two Decades
The longtime Republican lawmaker will not seek reelection when her current term ends in 2027.
Published on Feb. 26, 2026
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After more than 20 years in the Georgia House of Representatives, including over a decade as the House Speaker Pro Tem, Republican Jan Jones announced she will not seek reelection when her current term ends in 2027. Jones, who was the first woman in Georgia history to temporarily serve as House Speaker, cited a desire to spend more time with her family as the reason for her retirement.
Why it matters
Jones has been a powerful and influential figure in Georgia Republican politics for over two decades, serving in House leadership for the entirety of her time in office. Her retirement will create an open seat that is likely to be heavily contested, as the Georgia House continues to be a key battleground in the state's political landscape.
The details
In a letter to her colleagues, Jones wrote that she believes "it was simply the right moment" to step back from public service. She has served as the House Speaker Pro Tem since 2010, making her the longest-serving speaker pro tem in the country. Jones also briefly became the first woman to serve as Georgia House Speaker following the death of Speaker David Ralston.
- Jan Jones was first elected to the Georgia House in 2002.
- Jones was elected as House Speaker Pro Tem in 2010 and reelected each term since.
- Jones' current term will officially end in January 2027.
The players
Jan Jones
The Republican representative for Georgia's 47th House district, who has served as the House Speaker Pro Tem since 2010.
Jon Burns
The current Speaker of the Georgia House of Representatives, who praised Jones as "a trailblazer who will leave a significant mark in state history."
What they’re saying
“When I first arrived at the Capitol in the early 2000s, we were in the minority. I have watched this Caucus grow in strength and resolve. I have seen us navigate difficult political seasons, adapt to changing environments, and rise to meet complex policy challenges with discipline and purpose.”
— Jan Jones, Georgia House Speaker Pro Tem (cbsnews.com)
“Jan's 16-year tenure in House leadership reflects the abiding faith and admiration her colleagues have for her. She will close her career in the General Assembly with a long record of accomplishments but also a long list of great friends, including me and Dayle. We appreciate her service and dedication to this chamber, her district and all of Georgia.”
— Jon Burns, Georgia House Speaker (cbsnews.com)
What’s next
Jones' current term will officially end in January 2027, at which point her seat will be open for a new representative to be elected.
The takeaway
Jan Jones' retirement after over two decades in the Georgia House of Representatives marks the end of an era for the state's Republican leadership. Her departure will create an open seat that is likely to be heavily contested, underscoring the ongoing political dynamics in this key battleground state.
