Gov. Kay Ivey has scheduled a special election to replace Senate President Pro Tem Greg Reed, R-Jasper, who is leaving the Senate to work as Ivey’s senior advisor to workforce transformation.

Reed has represented District 5 since 2010. The district includes portions of Fayette, Jefferson, Lamar, Tuscaloosa and Walker counties.

Ivey set the special primary election for March 11. A runoff, if necessary, will be April 8. The special general election for the district will be June 24.

“Senator Reed has been an outstanding partner as president pro tem of the Senate and will continue to be an integral leader in the state of Alabama, but he has left big shoes to fill in the state legislature,” Ivey said in a news release. “Greg has effectively represented his district and I encourage the folks in Senate District Five to get out and vote during this special election.”

The deadline for qualifying with major political parties will be Jan. 7 at 5 p.m.

The deadline for all independent candidates and/or minor parties is March 11.

Reed had served as president pro tem since 2021.

The Senate Republican caucus, which now holds 26 of the 35 seats with the District 5 vacancy, has nominated Sen. Garlan Gudger, R-Cullman, to replace Reed as pro-tem.

The Senate will officially elect a new pro tem when the session begins Feb. 5.