A voter’s guide to the House District 38 special GOP primary runoff

Republican voters in eastern Alabama go to the polls Tuesday to select a GOP nominee for House District 38 in a special primary runoff election.

Voters narrowed their choice to Garrett Dixon and Kristin Nelson in the October primary. Both are first-time candidates. In the primary, Nelson got 1,226 (46.7%) votes and Dixon got 874 (33.3%) votes, according to unofficial results. Micah Messer, a third candidate received 526 (20%) votes. Messer ran for the seat in 2022 against former Rep. Debbie Wood, R-Valley.

The district covers parts of Chambers and Lee counties.

When do polls open?

Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Tuesday. 

Where do I find my polling place?

The Alabama Secretary of State’s website allows you to check voter registration and the location of your polling place. You can find it here.

What do I need to vote?

Voters must present a valid photo ID before voting. Valid forms of ID include: 

• Alabama driver’s license (not expired or expired less than 60 days)
• Alabama Law Enforcement Agency digital driver’s license
• Alabama Non-Driver ID (not expired or expired less than 60 days)
• Alabama Photo Voter ID card
• State-issued ID (Alabama or any other state)
• Federal-issued ID
• U.S. Passport
• Employee ID from the federal government; state of Alabama; county; municipality, board or other entity of Alabama
• Student or employee ID from a public or private post-secondary educational institution in Alabama or other states (including colleges, universities, postgraduate technical and professional schools)
• Digital student or employee ID from a public or private post-secondary educational institution in Alabama or other states (including colleges, universities, postgraduate technical and professional schools)
• Military ID
• Tribal ID

Where is the district located?

The district covers parts of Chambers and Lee counties, including Valley, Lanett and Smiths Station.

How did the seat become vacant?

The seat became vacant after Wood resigned this summer to move near the Florida panhandle, where her husband works. 

What issues dominate the race?

Nelson said she wants income tax reform. The current state tax rates and income threshold are locked via a 1933 constitutional amendment, though deductions may be changed by statute.

Dixon wants to recruit “good paying” jobs to the district, improve infrastructure and support public schools. 

Campaign fundraising

According to campaign finance records, Dixon has raised more than $93,000 and spent about $92,600. About two-thirds of Dixon’s donations came from Political Action Committees (PACs). He had almost $7,000 on-hand before the special election cycle began. Lt. Gov. Will Ainsworth donated $10,000 to Dixon’s campaign, according to records. 

Nelson has raised over $60,000 and spent almost $51,000 since the beginning of the special election in August. She had about $11,000 on-hand before the special election cycle began. Most of her cash donations came from individuals and businesses. 

Does the seat have a partisan lean?

District 38 is solidly Republican. Wood won in 2022 with almost 90% of votes against Libertarian Charles Temm Jr. She won with about 70% of votes in 2018 against Democrat Brian McGee.

What happens after Tuesday?

The Republican nominee will face Democratic nominee Hazel Floyd, 21, in a general election on Feb. 3. Floyd is campaigning on boosting business development beyond Valley city limits, strengthening public education funding and supporting farmers.

Will the results alter control of the Legislature?

No. Republicans currently hold 72 of the 105 seats in the Alabama House, after three resignations after the end of the 2025 session in May, including Wood. Rep. Cynthia Almond, R-Tuscaloosa, was appointed president of the Public Service Commission in June. Rep. Matt Woods, R-Jasper, was elected to the State Senate on June 24. 

Meet the Candidates

Garrett Dixon

Age: 34

Residence: Salem

Occupation: Cotton and peanut farmer

Education: B.S. Animal Sciences, Auburn University, 2014

Party: Republican

Previous political experience: First-time candidate

Campaign fundraising: Raised more than $93,000, spent $92,600, as of Monday morning.

Kristin Nelson

Age: 41

Residence: Lanett

Occupation: Stay-at-home mom, part time at an engineering consulting firm

Education: Associates degree, Southern Union Community College, 2004; B.S. Business Administration, Troy University, 2007; M.S. Education, Troy University, 2011

Party: Republican

Previous political experience: First-time candidate

Campaign fundraising: Raised more than $60,000, spent $51,000 as of Monday morning.

Hazel Floyd

Age: 21

Residence: Valley

Occupation: unemployed

Education: B.A. Political Science and Philosophy, the University of Alabama, 2025; Associates degree, Southern Union State Community College, 2023

Party: Democrat

Previous political experience: First-time candidate

Campaign fundraising: No filings as of Monday morning.