State Rep. Debbie Wood (R-Valley) announced her upcoming retirement from the Alabama House of Representatives at a recent meeting of the Chambers County Commission.
Wood, who was first elected to the House in 2018, chose the site of her earliest public service — where she broke barriers as the first woman to chair the Commission — to deliver her emotional announcement.
April Ross of BeeTV shared a video on Facebook of Wood’s comments to the Commission.
“This is where everything began for me. So, I’m coming back today to retire,” she told the Commission, her voice breaking at times. “This is where I want to do it. I didn’t want to do it anywhere else.”
Wood explained that her husband’s new job in Pensacola earlier this year had kept them apart through much of the legislative session, making her realize she didn’t want to sacrifice more time away from her family.
“Most of you may not know that. We have been apart from each other during this session,” she said. “And what it showed me is that I value our time together. And I’m not going to go through another session away from my husband. We’ve been married 35 years in June… July 31st will be my last day as your representative. What I want to tell you is, without crying, if I can keep it together — wow. It has been an honor.”
Wood began her political career on the Commission in 2002, serving for 16 years before moving to the state legislature. During her tenure in the House, she gained recognition for championing family-focused policies, including advocating for paid parental leave for teachers and state employees.
She also co-sponsored legislation with State Sen. Garlan Gudger (R-Cullman), ensuring families could visit hospitalized loved ones during public health emergencies, and was vocal in opposing policies she felt would harm her district, such as proposals to raise online sales taxes to match in-store rates.
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House Speaker Nathaniel Ledbetter (R-Rainsville) praised Wood’s service in a statement to Alabama Daily News.
“Debbie Wood has been a tireless advocate for her district and a valued member of the House Republican Caucus. Her commitment to her constituents and to improving the lives of Alabama families has made a real difference in our state.”
Currently, Vice Chair of the House County and Municipal Government Committee, Wood, will officially step down on July 31. Governor Kay Ivey is expected to call a special election to fill the vacancy, though a successor may not be sworn in until closer to the 2026 election cycle.
Two Republicans, Kristin Nelson of Lanett and Micah Messer of Smiths Station, have already announced plans to run for the seat in the upcoming regular election.
Sherri Blevins is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You may contact her at [email protected].
