An Alabama House special primary election on Tuesday night is in the books.

In HD38, to fill the seat of Debbie Wood, Kristin Nelson, wife of Sheriff Jeff Nelson and Chair of the Chambers County Republican Party, is the next GOP nominee after delivering a decisive victory over Garrett Dixon in Tuesday’s special primary runoff.

According to unofficial totals from the Alabama Secretary of State’s office, Nelson received roughly 1,603 votes (about 54.65%) to Dixon’s 1,330 votes (45.35%).

The runoff decides the Republican nominee to replace Debbie Wood, who resigned this summer

HD38 runs along the Alabama-Georgia border and includes parts of Chambers and Lee counties, east of Opelika and Auburn, including Valley, Lanett, Beulah and Smiths Station.

“I want to thank all of my supporters across House District 38 who came out and voted today,” Nelson said after claiming victory.

“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.”

In October’s three-way primary, Nelson led the pack enough to nearly avoid a runoff, followed by Dixon and Micah Messer, who quickly endorsed Dixon.

Dixon said while tonight’s results were not what he hoped for, he said he was grateful to everyone who helped his campaign.

“Whether you voted, volunteered, donated, or took the time to share words of encouragement, thank you,” Dixon said in a statement.

“It has been an honor to meet so many people across House District 38 and to hear directly about the hopes and concerns people are facing. I grew up here, and I am raising my kids here. My commitment to making our home a better place does not end tonight. I will continue finding ways to be involved and to support the neighbors and friends who make this such a special place to live,” he added.

“Thank you again for believing in this campaign and for giving me the opportunity to run.”

Unfortunate for the nearly 50,000 Alabamians encompassed in HD38, a Democrat candidate in the race will require a general election on February 3, 2026, meaning Nelson will not take office until roughly a month into the 2026 state legislative session.

The Alabama Republican Party celebrated Nelson’s win on Tuesday night and signaled it will now turn its full attention to the general.

“Congratulations to Kristin Nelson on a hard-earned victory,” Jeannie Burniston, ALGOP’s Director of Legislative Affairs and Communications said.

“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.”