Rep. David Ralston will retain his position as one of the most powerful leaders in the Georgia General Assembly after House Republicans unanimously approved his nomination as Speaker of the House for another two years during Monday morning's caucus meeting at the state capitol.

"I was honored to receive their nomination as Speaker of the House for the 2015-16 term. Leading the House is a great responsibility, one that I take very seriously," he said. "I look forward to another term representing the people of Georgia and the 7th House District as the Speaker of the Georgia House of Representatives."

The 7th House District includes the northern portion of Dawson County, as well as Fannin and Gilmer counties.

A vote by the full House of Representatives to approve Ralston and Speaker Pro-Tempore Jan Jones will take place on the first day of the 2015 legislative session, which is set for Jan. 12.

Ralston was elected the 73rd Speaker of the Georgia House of Representatives in 2010.

Earlier this year, the veteran lawmaker held on to his 7th District seat by defeating challenger Sam Snider by securing 65 percent of the overall vote.

He had no Democratic opposition in the General Election on Nov. 4.