The Alabama Republican Party announced Tuesday that State Rep. Matt Woods (R-Jasper) will serve as the Party’s nominee for the special election to fill the vacancy in Alabama Senate District 5.
Senate Pro-Tem Greg Reed (R-Jasper), who previously held the seat, resigned from the Alabama Senate effective January 1 to join Gov. Kay Ivey’s cabinet.
“It’s important that our area continues to have Republican representation in Montgomery. I look forward to contrasting my conservative philosophy with the Democrats. As a small business owner, I understand the needs of our communities and the challenges facing our state. Over the past two years, I’ve worked to reduce taxes, grow our economy, and protect our families. I will take that same conservative, pro-family, pro-business approach to work for the people of District 5," Woods said in a statement to 1819 News.
The vacancy created a special election to finish the remainder of Reed’s term. Senate District 5 covers portions of Walker, Fayette, Lamar, Tuscaloosa and Jefferson Counties.
Ivey set the special primary election for March 11 and the special general election for June 24.
Representative Woods was the only candidate to qualify as a Republican before qualifying closed on Tuesday at 5:00 p.m.
“We are excited to have Representative Matt Woods as our nominee for Senate District 5,” said Alabama Republican Party chairman John Wahl. “He is a solid conservative who has consistently worked to protect Alabama families and uphold the values we cherish. Representative Woods has been a champion of transparency and accountability, serving as a House sponsor of the Curriculum Transparency Act passed in the last legislative session.”
Wahl also expressed the Party’s full support for Representative Woods in the upcoming election.
“The Alabama Republican Party will provide Rep. Woods with any resources he needs to ensure we hold this important Senate seat. I am confident his strong conservative record and dedication to his constituents will resonate with voters in Senate District 5,” Wahl said.
Representative Woods was first elected to the Alabama House of Representatives on Nov. 8, 2022. He has served on the House Education Policy, Rules, and Rural and Urban Development Committees during his tenure.
According to the Alabama Democrat Party, Ryan Cagle and Sarah Watkins qualified to run for the Democrat Party’s nomination for the seat.
To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email caleb.taylor@1819News.com.
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