Kristin Nelson wins House District 38 GOP nomination

By Anna Barrett

As of 8:55 p.m., Nelson, a stay-at-home mother, received 1,609 (54.45%) votes, according to unofficial returns. Peanut farmer Garrett Dixon received 1,346 (45.55%) votes, according to unofficial votes. The Alabama Secretary of State’s Office reported a 7.69% voter turnout with 2,955 total votes cast, about 300 votes more than the October primary.

Nelson said in an interview Tuesday evening that she is thankful for the increased turnout from the October primary.

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“For it to be a larger turnout than the primary just speaks volumes of how important this is to the voters,” Nelson said. “I’m just very thankful for the people who believed in me and supported me and led me to victory.”

Nelson campaigned on 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 campaigned on recruiting “good paying” jobs to the district, improving infrastructure and supporting public schools. 

The counties were sharply divided. Dixon, a resident of Smiths Station, won Lee County by a 3:1 margin. Nelson, who lives in Lanett, won Chambers County by a 4:1 margin. 

Dixon conceded on Facebook Tuesday evening, thanking his supporters.

“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,” he said in a post.

 Nelson raised about $50,000 and spent almost $53,000. She had about $11,000 on-hand before the special election cycle began. Most of her cash donations came from individuals and businesses. 

According to campaign finance records, Dixon raised more than $93,000 and spent almost $100,000. 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 will face Democratic nominee Hazel Floyd on Feb. 3. Floyd is campaigning on boosting business development beyond Valley city limits, strengthening public education funding and supporting farmers.

“I have been all around at different polling locations today, and I’ve seen a lot of support for both of the candidates who ran. So I can testify that it was a tough battle, and congratulate both of them for continuing it out this far,” Floyd said Tuesday.

Source: Open Newswire @ Kristin Nelson wins House District 38 GOP nomination | Alabama Reflector