Republican Brian Brignac defeated Fayette County Commissioner John Underwood in Tuesday's special general election for Alabama's 16th District House of Representatives.

The district covers parts of Fayette County, northern Tuscaloosa and western Jefferson County.

In the unofficial tally, Mr. Brignac received 2,370 votes (83.36%) and Mr. Underwood received 469 votes (16.50%).

Brignac won the Republican nomination, defeating five major opponents.

“Thank you, House District 16! I'm ready to go to work!” Brignac posted on Facebook.

The seat became vacant when former Rep. Kyle South (R-Fayette) left the Legislature to accept the position of president and CEO of the West Alabama Chamber of Commerce.

Also on Tuesday, state Rep. Wes Kitchens (R-Arab) defeated state Rep. Brock Colvin (R-Arab) in a special Republican primary for Alabama's 9th Senate District, which includes parts of Blunt and Brown. Republican (Albertville) and former Morgan County Commissioner Stacey Lee George. All of Madison and Marshall Counties.

Unofficially, Kitchens received 3,707 votes (52.54%). Colvin received 2,702 votes (38.3%). And George received 646 votes (9.16%).

Since neither Democratic nor independent candidates are eligible for this race, Mr. Kitchens will be elected to the Senate. Governor Kay Ivey will call a special election for Kitchens House District 27 seat.

“I am thrilled to congratulate Representative-elect Brian Brignac and Senator-elect Wes Kitchens on their victories,” said Alabama Republican Party Chairman John Wall. “Both have been outstanding candidates, and I am confident they will do a great job representing the people of House District 16 and Senate District 9.”

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