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Greg Barnes wins special election in Alabama House District 13

Unofficial results showed Greg Barnes claiming the GOP primary for the House District 13 special election.

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Retired contractor Greg Barnes is the presumptive representative for House District 13 after defeating pharmacist and business owner Dustin Beaty in Tuesday’s special Republican primary.

With about 3,600 ballots cast, roughly 8,400 fewer than in the 2022 general election, Barnes received 2,500 votes, or nearly 70 percent, while Beaty received 1,113 votes, a little more than 30 percent.

The seat was left open when former Representative Matt Woods, R-Jasper, was elected to the State Senate in a June special election. Barnes is now positioned to serve the remainder of Woods’ term.

Since no Democratic candidate qualified for the race, the Republican primary winner is expected to take the seat, although a special general election is still scheduled for January 13, 2026. A regular general election for the seat is set to be held on November 3, 2026.

The contest between Barnes and Beaty took place in a solidly Republican district, where turnout and campaign organization played a central role.

The candidates approached campaign financing differently. Barnes mostly self-funded his campaign, contributing $20,000 and spending nearly all of it. At the end of his campaign, Barnes was left with around $1,300. 

Beaty raised over $130,000 and used most of those funds. At the end of his campaign, he had $5,720 remaining from his donations.

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Barnes campaigned on mental health, veterans’ services, and parental involvement in education.

Pending certification, he will join the Alabama House of Representatives as a new member. He expressed his gratitude on his campaign Facebook page on Tuesday night.

“First, let me thank those who volunteered to serve as poll workers today. Your service does not go unnoticed. I am honored that the voters of District 13 have chosen me to serve you in Montgomery,” said Barnes.

I have always known the people in this community were special, but this campaign season has allowed me to truly see how special. Now that this election is over, I look forward to working for you in the Alabama Legislature!”

Mary Claire is a reporter. You can reach her at [email protected].

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