Lt. Col. (Ret.) Brian Birdwell has proudly served as the State Senator for Texas Senate District 22 since his election in a special election in June 2010. He is a lifelong Texan, seasoned military veteran, and committed conservative Republican who has been re-elected five times, consistently receiving an average of more than 85 percent of the votes cast.

Educated at Lamar University, U.S. Army Command and General Staff College, and the University of Missouri-Kansas City, where he earned a Master of Public Administration, Birdwell’s military career spans over two decades, including service in Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm, for which he received the Bronze Star for Exceptional Meritorious Achievement. He was critically wounded in the September 11 attacks at the Pentagon, leading to a series of surgeries; and he was awarded the Purple Heart for his injuries. Birdwell’s recovery has been documented in the book he co-authored with his wife, Mel, titled "Refined by Fire: A Family's Triumph of Love and Faith." Together, they also founded Face the Fire Ministries, a non-profit that supports burn survivors.

Birdwell is known for his comprehensive legislative work focusing on various key issues. He chairs the Senate Committee on Natural Resources and Economic Development, evaluating bills that affect Texas’ natural resources while promoting economic growth. He also chairs the Border Security Committee, underscoring his dedication to enhancing the security of Texas’ borders—a critical issue for constituents.

His recent legislative efforts include sponsoring significant bills such as HB3727, which updates regulations around municipal hotel occupancy taxes, promoting transparency in financial reporting and allocating a minimum percentage of tax revenue for tourism-related projects. Additionally, he sponsored HB2291, which expands the rights of retired judges to carry firearms, reflecting his strong emphasis on public safety and self-defense rights.

Birdwell’s legislative priorities generally align with conservative values, heavily focusing on pro-business and pro-education initiatives. For instance, he’s involved in efforts to broaden access to higher education and to strengthen eminent domain laws for landowners. He was involved in the passage of the Stronger Border, Safer Texas Act, a comprehensive border security package, illustrating his commitment to both public safety and robust immigration enforcement strategies.

In addition to these initiatives, Birdwell has played a crucial role in discussions surrounding the structure of government. He is active in committees addressing state administration and laws related to the budgetary process, reflecting a concern for fiscal responsibility and efficient use of state resources. His involvement in the SJR52, which extends the application for a constitutional convention, indicates a push for greater state autonomy against federal control, aligning with his broader conservative agenda.

Birdwell’s personal life is closely linked with his community engagement. He and his wife have been married for over 30 years, residing in Granbury, Texas, where they remain active in local initiatives. They have one son, Matt, and two grandchildren, reinforcing his family-oriented values.

Overall, Birdwell's political career reflects a staunch commitment to enhancing the welfare of Texans through conservative legislation, strong community service, and a resolute focus on the state’s interests in both local and federal contexts.