AUSTIN — The people of Texas Senate District 22 have a new voice in Austin.  Retired Lt Col Brian Birdwell is now Senator-elect Birdwell thanks to his victory in the Senate District 22 special election runoff Tuesday.

“I had the pleasure of meeting Senator-elect Birdwell in 2007 when I attended a speech of his at the Young Conservatives of Texas state convention,” said Republican Party of Texas Chairman Steve Munisteri.  “I was personally moved by his story of sacrifice, and have personally retold his story to numerous people since that time.  So I was delighted to hear that he will be representing the people of Senate District 22.  I am confident that with his lifetime record of service to our country, he will continue to serve his district in an honorable and effective way.”

Senator-elect Birdwell will serve out the unexpired term of former state Sen. Kip Averitt, who retired earlier this year due to health concerns.