Republican nominee Russell Bedsole has achieved a resounding win in Alabama House District 49’s special general election.

Held on Tuesday, the election saw Bedsole receive 63.18% of the vote, according to unofficial results publicized by the Secretary of State’s Office; Democrat Cheryl Patton garnered 36.74%.

This rural district covers parts of Bibb, Chilton and Shelby Counties. The seat was vacated upon the resignation of then-State Rep. April Weaver (R-Brierfield), who departed to join the Trump administration.

Alabama Republican Party Chairman Terry Lathan said in a statement, “We offer our congratulations to Russell Bedsole on his apparent victory.”

“He will be a welcome addition to our majority in the Alabama House of Representatives. His platform and core convictions on the issues mirror those of his constituents and our Party. We look forward to working with Russell and thank him for his willingness to serve,” Lathan continued.

Bedsole narrowly won a highly competitive GOP primary runoff to advance to the special general.

There are 30,388 total registered voters in HD-49. On Tuesday, 2,532 ballots were cast, for a turnout of 8.33%.

Bedsole is a longtime deputy sheriff in Shelby County and a former Alabaster city councilor.

Tuesday’s election is set to be certified on December 9.

Sean Ross is the editor of Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @sean_yhn