WACO, TEXAS — The U.S. Senate confirmed Texas state Sen. Brian Birdwell to serve as Assistant Secretary of War for Sustainment on a 46-43 vote on May 18, alongside several dozen other nominees. President Donald Trump nominated Birdwell to the post, with the White House announcing the nomination in October.

Birdwell, who holds the Texas Senate District 22 seat, announced the confirmation the same day. In a statement, he thanked U.S. Senators Ted Cruz and John Cornyn for assisting with his nomination through committee and the full Senate.

Birdwell said he is in the final period of service before taking the oath of office for the new position. He thanked his constituents for the privilege and honor of serving in the Senate for 16 years, and assured Central Texans that the District 22 State Senate office will continue to function and that constituent services will continue. Staff members will remain in place in the district and in the capitol until a new senator takes office.

"I ask your prayers for my future duties and that you keep our next state senator in your prayers for wisdom as they serve the district. Farewell and God bless you; God bless Texas and God bless the United States of America! Hooah!" Birdwell said.

Birdwell announced in July 2025 that he would not seek reelection to Senate District 22, which represents McLennan, Hill, Falls, Bosque, Hamilton, Hood, Somervell, Erath, Comanche and Eastland Counties. He has served in the Texas Senate for 16 years and in Senate District 22 for 15 years.

State Rep. David Cook, R-Mansfield, won the Republican nomination for Texas Senate District 22 in March. Democrat Amy Martinez-Salas, a first-time candidate, will face Cook in November's election.

Birdwell previously worked as staff for the Department of the Army at the Pentagon. He suffered severe burns during the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks when a plane crashed yards away from his office at the Pentagon.