Special Election for Alabama State House District 16 Won by Republican Bryan Brinyark

The special election was called following the resignation of State Representative Kyle South (R).

The special election occurred today to fill a vacancy in the Alabama House of Representatives. This is the first special election in 2024 for the state’s lower legislative chamber, with an additional vacancy being filled in March. The Democratic and Republican candidates were chosen through primaries in October 2023.

The special election for Alabama State House District 16 was called following the resignation of State Representative Kyle South, a Republican, to become President and CEO of the Chamber of Commerce of West Alabama. He represented this district from January 2015 to June 2023.

Republican Bryan Brinyark has been declared the winner in the special election. The race was called in his favor as he’s currently leading with 83.5% against Democrat John Underwood with 16.5%. 2,839 votes have been counted.

Brinyark currently serves as a Municipal Court Judge in Tuscaloosa, Brent, Centerville and Woodstock. In 2014, he founded his own law firm, Brinyark & Frederick, specializing in divorce law.

Underwood joined the Fayette Police Department as an officer in 1995. He retired from the force in 2022 as assistant police chief. 

Alabama State House District 16 covers all of Fayette County as well as parts of Jefferson, Lamar and Tuscaloosa Counties.

Once Brinyark is sworn-in, Republicans will maintain control of the Alabama House of Representatives with a 76-28 supermajority against Democrats. All 105 seats will next be up for regular four-year terms in November 2026.