01-07-2025
Fort Worth area state senator announces retirement; House member seeks seat
Shorlty after Texas Sen. Brian Birdwell announced Monday that he will not seek re-election in 2026, state Rep. David Cook said he would run for the seat.
Birdwell, a Granbury Republican representing Senate District 22 since 2010, thanked Jesus, his wife Mel, his constituents and his staff members for their support throughout his four terms.
'It has been the high honor of my life, on par with commanding United States soldiers, to serve my fellow Texans for over 15 years,' Birdwell stated in a X post.
Cook, 53, is a Mansfield Republican serving his third term for House District 96. He ran for House speaker before this past legislative session. In his announcement, he thanked Birdwell for his service, calling him 'the personification of a servant leader.'
'While we've accomplished a great deal, there's more work to be done!' Cook stated in the news release. 'I look forward to hitting the campaign trail to earn the support of the people of Texas Senate District 22.'
Other officials also showed their appreciation for Birdwell, including Tarrant County Judge Tim O'Hare.
Some of Cook's priorities include securing the border, lowering property taxes and supporting public schools, among others, according to his website.
Birdwell, 63, will finish the remainder of his term, which will end in January 2027. The next Texas Senate election is in November 2026.
Senate District 22 represents the counties of Bosque, Comanche, Eastland, Erath, Falls, Hamilton, Hill, Hood, McLennan and Somervell, as well as parts of Ellis and Tarrant counties.
