Republican candidate Kristen Nelson won decisively Tuesday in a special election for Alabama’s House District 38, according to unofficial results from the Alabama Secretary of State. Nelson received roughly 85% of the vote, with 2,195 ballots cast overall, while Democratic candidate Hazel Floyd trailed behind.
The victory adds another seat to the Republican majority in the Alabama House of Representatives. It also comes amid recent Republican wins in other states, including a special election in New York’s State Senate District 61, contributing to broader gains for the party in recent down-ballot contests.
Nelson advanced to the general election after winning a Republican runoff in October, following a three-candidate primary earlier in the year. Campaign finance reports show she significantly outraised her opponents, collecting more than $125,000 during the election cycle and reporting approximately $26,000 in cash on hand in her most recent filing.
The fundraising advantage positions Nelson as she prepares for the 2026 regular election. She was the only Republican to qualify for that race, while Democrats Hazel Floyd and Christopher Davis have also filed to run.
Nelson, a former third-grade teacher, focused her campaign on school safety, job creation, and crime reduction. House District 38 includes parts of Lee County and Chambers County. The seat became vacant earlier this year after former Republican Rep. Debbie Wood relocated outside the district due to a family job move.