Republican Gregory Barnes is the presumptive new Alabama House member from Walker County.
Barnes won Tuesday’s special House District 13 GOP primary over Justin Beaty with 69% of the vote, according to unofficial results.
“I have always known the people in this community were special, but this campaign season has allowed me to truly see how special,” Barnes said on Facebook Tuesday night. “Now that this election is over, I look forward to working for you in the Alabama Legislature!”
There is no Democrat candidate running for the seat. The general election is Jan. 13, the day the Legislature begins its 2026 session.
“Walker County voters sent a clear message today: they are ready for strong conservative leadership that reflects their values,” Alabama Republican Party Chief of Staff Shannon Whitt said in a statement Tuesday night. “With no Democrat opposition in November, Greg is on the path to becoming our newest State Representative, and we look forward to working alongside them to keep Alabama moving forward.”
Barnes largely self funded his campaign with a $20,000 loan, according to finance records.
He now has to campaign for a regular four-year term in the 2026 election cycle and has at least one significant GOP opponent. Mike Elliott campaigned in the special election, winning the coveted Alabama Farmers Federation endorsement, but was removed from the ballot in early September when the Alabama Ethics Commission said he failed to turn in a required statement of economic interest on time. In a Sept. 12 social media post, Elliott said voters would get their say in the May 19 primary.
The seat was empty after former Rep. Matt Woods, R-Jasper, was elected to the Senate earlier this year to replace former Senate President Pro Tem Greg Reed.