Jerry Birdwell

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.

Early life and education Birdwell received a B.A. from Baylor University and a J.D. from Baylor Law School.

Judicial service On May 22, 1992, Governor Ann Richards appointed Birdwell to be judge of Dallas County's 195th Judicial District Court. 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. Birdwell took office on May 29, 1992, but was defeated for reelection later that year by John R. Nelms after a homophobic campaign. Birdwell left office on December 31, 1992.

Political career In 2006, Birdwell began a four-year term on the city council of South Lake Tahoe, California. On December 9, 2008, Birdwell was elected to serve a one-year term as mayor of South Lake Tahoe.