Following the resignation of State Rep. Debbie Wood from the Alabama House, who recently announced she will be relocating out of the district with her husband as he accepts a new job in Florida, one lifelong local has announced her candidacy to fill the soon-to-be vacancy.

Kristin Nelson, Chair of the Chambers County Republican Party, announced her candidacy this week for Alabama House District 38. She says she is prepared to put her experience in both the public and private sectors — as well as homeschooling two children — to work in elected office.

“As someone who grew up on the Chambers Lee County line, I know firsthand our district is full of hard-working families who are doing everything right, but still struggling to get ahead,” Nelson said.

“We need more good-paying jobs, safer neighborhoods and schools, and to continue to protect our educational freedoms. We also need to ease the financial burden on families by lowering taxes and ensuring that the government works for the people – not the other way around.”

According to her campaign website, Nelson works part-time at engineering firm, Harris Gray LLC, while serving her community through leading worship at Fairfax Methodist Church, as Secretary of the Junior Variety Club, as President of the EMAC Lanier Auxiliary Board, as founder of the Chambers County Young Republicans, and as Chairman of the Chambers County Republican Party.

In an official announcement, Nelson said her campaign centers on strengthening public safety, supporting local communities through economic opportunity, protecting Alabamians’ educational freedoms, and adding meaningful tax relief for working families. Specifically:

• Creating Job Opportunities: Supporting local businesses and attracting new industries to grow the local economy and increase wages.
• Fighting Crime: Partnering with law enforcement and community organizations to reduce crime and ensure public safety, especially for the youngest citizens.
• Improving Education: Investing in public schools, supporting teachers, giving every child the tools to succeed, and also protecting the freedoms of families who choose to take a less traditional approach to education.
• Lowering the Tax Burden: Advocating for tax relief policies that put more money back in the pockets of hard-working families.

Wood’s resignation will not be official until July 31, 2025, and Governor Kay Ivey has yet to officially call a special election.