WACO (March 18, 2010)—Retired Army Lt. Col. Brian Birdwell of Granbury announced Thursday he plans to run to fill the remainder of the term of former State Sen. Kip Averitt, R-Waco, who resigned effective Wednesday for health reasons.

Gov. Rick Perry has called a special election on Saturday May 8 to fill the remaining 10 months of Averitt’s term.

Birdwell, a Bronze Star winner and a survivor of the 9/11 attack on the Pentagon, is a Texas native who graduated in 1984 from Lamar University in Beaumont.

“After talking with conservatives across the district, I’m very encouraged by the strong, positive response received so far,” he said.

“I believe this race is wide open, so today I’m declaring my candidacy for state senate, and look forward to facing another challenge with determination and resolve.”

Former State Sen. David Sibley of Waco, who represented nine of the 10 counties in Senate District 22, said Wednesday he plans to run for the remainder of Averitt’s term.

The district covers Bosque, Coryell, Ellis, Falls, Hill, Hood, Johnson, McLennan, Navarro and Somervell Counties.

The winner of the open election will serve only until January 2011, when Averitt’s term expires.

Republican and Democratic Party chairs from each of the district’s 10 counties will meet to select candidates for the November ballot.