Kristin Nelson has defeated Garrett Dixon in the runoff to be the Republican nominee for House District 38. The special election to fill the vacancy left by State Rep. Debbie Wood (R-Valley) brought endorsements and financial support from some of Montgomery's biggest names and groups.
"I want to thank all of my supporters across House District 38 who came out and voted today. 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 said in a written statement.
Unofficial results provided by her campaign show her with 1,603 votes (or 55%) to Dixon's 1,330 (45%).
According to the Secretary of State's office, voter turnout was 7.69%, with 2,955 total votes cast.
According to the latest reports available on the Secretary of State's website, Dixon spent approximately $92,615, compared to Nelson's roughly $42,000.
Of those donors, Dixon had the support from the Alabama Education Association (AEA), which gave $10,000 directrly and another $10,000 through their PAC, Alabama Voice for Teachers for Education; $20,000 from the Business Council of Alabama's Progress PAC; $10,000 from Lt. Governor Will Ainsworth; $10,000 from the Alabama Realtors Association and $5,000 from Alabama Forestry Association.
Nelson had a $5,000 contribution from the Poarch Creek Indian tribe, $5,000 in contributions from SavePAC and a $2,500 contribution from the Hospital Association.
"While tonight's results were not what we hoped for, I am grateful for every single person who stood with me and supported me throughout this campaign. Whether you voted, volunteered, donated, or took the time to share words of encouragement, thank you," Dixon said in a social media post.
"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."
Nelson launched her campaign, "centered on strengthening public safety to protect our neighborhoods and schools, supporting local communities through economic opportunity, protecting Alabamians' educational freedoms, and adding meaningful tax relief for working families."
HD38 includes voters from parts of Lee and Chambers Counties. The special general election will be held on Feb. 3, 2026.
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