Georgia state Representative John Meadows (R-5th Dist., Calhoun) passed away on Tuesday, according to messages from House Speaker David Ralston and Gov. Nathan Deal.
Meadows just won re-election to his seat by an overwhelming 82 percent to 18 percent margin over Democratic challenger Brian Rosser.
Deal described Meadows as a dear friend, saying he will be missed.
Meadows, the powerful House Rules Committee chairman, represented voters in Gordon and Murray counties in northwest Georgia.
Ralston will appoint a new rules committee chairman for the current special session of the General Assembly and going forward.
As specified in Georgia Law § 21-2-244, Gov. Nathan Deal will call for a special election to fill Meadows' open seat.
