Jerry Birdwell
American judge
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Jerry R. Birdwell is the former mayor of South Lake Tahoe, California and judge of Dallas County's 195th Judicial District Court. Birdwell was the first openly gay judge appointed in Texas.[1][2]
Jerry R. Birdwell | |
|---|---|
| Mayor of South Lake Tahoe, California | |
| In office 2008–2009 | |
| Succeeded by | Kathay Lovell |
| Judge of Dallas County's 195th Judicial District Court | |
| In office May 29, 1992 – December 31, 1992 | |
| Appointed by | Ann Richards |
| Preceded by | Joe Kendell |
| Succeeded by | John R. Nelms |
| Personal details | |
| Alma mater | Baylor University (BA, JD) |
Early life and education
Birdwell received a B.A. from Baylor University and a J.D. from Baylor Law School.[3]
Judicial service
On May 22, 1992, Governor Ann Richards appointed Birdwell to be judge of Dallas County's 195th Judicial District Court.[1][4] She claimed that his sexual orientation was not a factor in his appointment, but gay rights groups promoted his appointment as a historical milestone, while Republican politicians called it a "slap in the face" to voters.[5] Birdwell took office on May 29, 1992, but was defeated for reelection later that year by John R. Nelms[4][6] after a homophobic campaign.[7] Birdwell left office on December 31, 1992.[4]
Political career
In 2006, Birdwell began a four-year term on the city council of South Lake Tahoe, California.[1] On December 9, 2008, Birdwell was elected to serve a one-year term as mayor of South Lake Tahoe.[1]