Kristin Nelson won a special GOP runoff Tuesday in east Alabama’s House District 38.
Nelson received 54.45% percent of the vote to Garrett Dixon’s 45.54%, according to unofficial results from the Alabama Secretary of State’s Office.
“I want to thank all of my supporters across House District 38 who came out and voted today,” Nelson said Tuesday night. “Serving the great folks of Chambers and Lee Counties is second nature to me, and I’ll represent their voices in Montgomery with honesty and integrity. House District 38 has a great legacy of strong representation in Montgomery, and I plan on fully continuing that legacy.”
Nelson led in the October primary with 46.69% of the vote and now faces a Feb. 3 special general election ballot contest with Democrat Hazel Floyd.
Nelson’s campaign issues include lowering crime, creating job opportunities and improving education.
Nelson’s spent more than $52,500 so far in the special election cycle, according to the latest figures available. Dixon spent $99,500.
“Congratulations to Kristin Nelson on a hard‑earned victory,” Jeannie Burniston, director of legislative affairs and communications for the Alabama Republican Party, said in a written statement. “She earned the trust of Republican voters in Lee and Chambers Counties, and we are excited to partner with her as our nominee. Together, we will work to keep House District 38 in Republican hands and ensure strong, conservative leadership for the people of this community.”
The district includes portions of Lee and Chambers counties and was previously held by Republican Debbie Wood, who moved out of the area earlier this year when her husband’s job relocated.
Like other recent special election winners, the new House District 38 representative will immediately have to campaign to keep the seat in next year’s general election cycle.