Chambers County Republican Party Chairwoman Kristi Nelson secured victory in a special election for Alabama House District 38 on Tuesday night, defeating Democratic nominee Hazel Floyd with nearly 85 percent of the vote.
The district has been solidly Republican for over a decade. Nelson described her win as “so excited and so honored to be able to represent the people that I feel like have raised me and built me and helped to make me the person that I am” in an interview following the election. Her campaign platforms centered on eliminating taxes and strengthening law enforcement.
Democratic candidate Hazel Floyd thanked voters for their support, stating: “I’m very thankful for everyone who came out to vote for me. I would not have been in this position had those people not come out and supported me.”
Campaign finance records show Nelson raised $158,135 and spent $131,926.58 during the campaign, with significant contributions from political action committees and businesses. Floyd raised $3,527.64 and spent $2,653.20, with all donations coming from individuals.
House District 38 spans portions of Chambers and Lee counties. Nelson’s victory marks the district’s first new representative since 2018, replacing Rep. Debbie Hamby Wood who stepped down last summer to relocate her family to Florida. Both candidates have qualified for the November general election.
