As a member of the House of Representatives, Ralston previously served as Chairman of the Judiciary Non-Civil Committee and Vice Chairman of the Judiciary Committee.

Prior to serving in the House, Ralston served in the Georgia State Senate from 1992 until 1998 when he won the Republican nomination for Attorney General of Georgia.

He serves as an Executive Committee member of the National Speakers Conference, the National Conference of State Legislatures, and the Southern Legislative Conference.

Ralston was named the 2010 Georgian of the Year by Georgia Trend Magazine. 

Born in Ellijay, Ralston is a graduate of Gilmer County High School. He went on to attend Young Harris College and North Georgia College (now the University of North Georgia), where he earned his bachelor’s degree with honors.  He later received his law degree from the University Of Georgia.

Aside from his legislative duties, Ralston is an attorney in Blue Ridge. He is an active member of his community, participating with the Fannin County Chamber of Commerce and the Blue Ridge Mountains Arts Association.