Helen Kerwin
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Helen Kerwin | |
|---|---|
.jpg) Kerwin in 2025 | |
| Member of the Texas House of Representatives from the 58th district | |
| Assumed office January 14, 2025 | |
| Preceded by | DeWayne Burns |
| Personal details | |
| Born | October 10, 1947[1] |
| Party | Republican |
| Spouse |
Hugh Leslie
(m. 1969, separated) |
| Children | 3, including Brooke Rollins |
| Alma mater | California State University[2] |
| Website | Campaign website |
Helen Dean Kerwin (born October 10, 1947) is an American politician who has served as a member of the Texas House of Representatives for the 58th district since 2025.[3] A member of the Republican Party, she defeated incumbent DeWayne Burns for the party's nomination in 2024.[4] Her daughter, Brooke Rollins, is currently serving as the United States Secretary of Agriculture.[5]
Kerwin and her husband both worked in the hotel industry and purchased the Glen Hotel in Glen Rose, Texas, in 1975 then sold it. After the two separated, Kerwin opened a flower shop before selling it and successfully running for mayor of Glen Rose in 1997. She then ran for Somervell County Commission, becoming the first Republican elected to the role.[2] She has owned the Country Woods Inn, a ranch and bed-and-breakfast, since 1980.[6][7]
Texas House of Representatives
Election
In 2024, Kerwin announced her campaign for the Texas House of Representatives in the 58th district against incumbent Republican DeWayne Burns. Burns had voted against school voucher legislation, drawing criticism from Greg Abbott and his endorsement of Kerwin.[8] She placed first in the Republican primary election and defeated Burns in the ensuing run-off election.[9]
Tenure
In January 2025, Kerwin supported David Cook for speaker and introduced legislation to combat PFAS contamination in sewage sludge-based fertilizers.[10][11]
