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ATLANTA (AP) -- House Republicans have elected state Rep. Larry O'Neal as their new majority leader.

O'Neal, chairman of the powerful tax-writing Ways and Means and Committee, defeated state Rep. James Mills of Gainesville in a secret ballot on Monday. O'Neal, of Bonaire, is a former lawyer for Gov. Sonny Perdue.

David Ralston was re-elected House speaker on Monday.

Gov.-elect Nathan Deal addressed the House Republicans saying Georgia voters "have placed great confidence" in their conservative agenda to lead the state.

The House GOP added three seats in last week's election. On Monday, state Rep. Alan Powell, a Democrat from Hartwell, joined the Republican caucus, meaning the party now has 109 seats in the 180-member chamber.

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