President Donald Trump has nominated Texas State Senator Brian Birdwell (R-Granbury) to serve as Assistant Secretary of Defense, a key national security role.
Birdwell, a decorated U.S. Army veteran and survivor of the September 11 terror attack on the Pentagon, has represented Senate District 22 since 2010.
Born in Fort Worth and residing in Granbury, Birdwell spent more than two decades serving his country in uniform before taking his fight for liberty to the Texas Capitol.
A Record of Defending Freedom
During his time in the Texas Senate, Birdwell consistently stood with gun owners — earning the trust of Second Amendment advocates statewide.
He voted to ban red-flag gun confiscation laws, helping to ensure that due process rights of law-abiding Texans remain protected.
He also supported and voted for landmark pro-gun legislation, including:
- Short-Barreled Firearms Decriminalization (2025)— removing SBR’s & SBS’s from the state prohibited weapons list, and clearing the way for federal NFA reform.
- Constitutional Carry (2021) — restoring the right of lawful citizens to carry a handgun without government permission.
- Open Carry (2015) — ending decades-old prohibitions on Texans carrying sidearms openly.
- Campus Carry (2015) — affirming the right of students and faculty with licenses to defend themselves on college campuses.
Through each session, Birdwell proved that his oath to “support and defend the Constitution” didn’t end when he left active duty.
A 9/11 Hero Turned Statesman
On September 11, 2001, Birdwell was working in the Pentagon when American Airlines Flight 77 struck the building.
He suffered burns over 60 percent of his body but survived after dozens of surgeries and a long recovery.
His story of courage and faith has inspired millions — and it’s that same resolve he has brought to public office in Texas.
Trump’s nomination of Birdwell is widely seen as a nod to both his military experience and unflinching patriotism.
Chris McNutt, President of Texas Gun Rights, praised the nomination, calling Birdwell “a solid choice for the Trump Administration.”
“Senator Birdwell has been a consistent ally in defending the Second Amendment and fighting back against gun-control schemes in Austin,” McNutt said. “He’s a proven patriot who understands liberty at home and abroad. We believe he’ll serve the Trump Administration well.”
McNutt also announced that Texas Gun Rights PAC has already endorsed State Representative David Cook (R-Mansfield) to succeed Birdwell in the Texas Senate.
“David Cook has shown a willingness to carry the torch for gun owners,” McNutt added. “We’re confident he’ll continue Birdwell’s legacy of defending the right to keep and bear arms.”
Senate District 22 spans parts of North and Central Texas.
As Birdwell transitions from the Texas Capitol to the halls of the Pentagon, Texans gun rights will be working hard to make sure gun rights mean a priority for whomever replaces him to represent Senate District 22.
