HIAWASSEE, Ga. – State House Representative Matt Gurtler addressed the Towns County Republican Party Thursday, June 20, at Daniel’s Steakhouse in Hiawassee. The second-term official reviewed the highlights of the recent legislative session, explaining his voting history to the crowd-filled room, while promoting an ongoing mission to “bring principles back into politics.” Gurtler has unapologetically represented District 8 since 2016 when elected to serve Georgia’s top conservative district.

Representative Gurtler spoke in opposition of the ever-increasing state budget which continues to rise between $1.1 to $1.5 billion annually, while heavily favoring the “Heartbeat Bill” which prohibits abortion after six weeks of pregnancy, advancing the House floor by a single vote. The staunch conservative touched upon free-market broadband service, the importance of historical monument preservation, and advocated for “in-house” hemp cultivation, stating that the proposed bill incorporates a high level of governmental control, referencing the measure as “the most highly regulated bill in the nation at this point.”

Gurtler concluded the address with an emotive argument against House Speaker David Ralston, a feud that reached its peak during Gurtler’s 2018 re-election campaign; fueled by Ralson’s open support of Gurtler’s challenger, and Ralston’s critique of the rebel of the House. Gurtler defined Ralston as exhibiting an “abuse of power,” claiming that the speaker “rules with an iron fist” while blocking bills, and attempting to oust those who oppose him. “This is someone who needs to be replaced,” the District 8 representative said. True to past form, Gurtler called for Ralston’s resignation as House speaker. “It’s all about power. It’s all about maintaining power…,” Gurtler professed, adding, “They know that the power is crumbling underneath their feet.”

Representative Gurtler’s full legislative voting record is available online..