Senator Charles Schwertner is a physician, family man, and lifelong fiscal and social conservative. In 2010, he was first elected to serve the people of House District 20 as a member of the Texas House of Representatives. There, he quickly earned a reputation as a measured and effective legislator, working with his colleagues to pass one of the most conservative legislative agendas in Texas history.
Dr. Schwertner has served Senate District 5 since 2012. Senate District 5 is an eleven-county region of Central and East Texas that includes Bastrop, Brazos, Freestone, Leon, Limestone, Madison, Milam, Robertson, San Jacinto, Walker, and Williamson Counties.
As the author of the State’s landmark “Constitutional Carry” law, Dr. Schwertner is widely considered one of the most conservative members of the Texas Senate. His leadership has led to the passage of numerous key laws that defend private property rights, cut taxes, protect Texas children, and strengthen the electric grid. Most notably, this past session, he authored the 287(g) enforcement bill, which was lauded by President Trump as a major victory in the fight to crack down on illegal immigration and secure the border. Dr. Schwertner is the Chairman of the Senate Business and Commerce Committee and a member of the Finance, State Affairs, and Economic Development Committees.
For his leadership in the Texas Legislature, Dr. Schwertner has been named a “Taxpayer Advocate” by Texans for Fiscal Responsibility, a “Fighter for Free Enterprise” by the Texas Association of Business, and a “Courageous Conservative” by the Texas Conservative Coalition. He has also earned the Effective Conservative award from the Conservative Roundtable of Texas, the Defender of Freedom award from the National Rifle Association, and the Courageous Defense of Life award from the Texas Alliance for Life. Additionally, Dr. Schwertner has been named a CASA Champion for Texas Children, YMCA Champion, and Legislator of the Year by the Texas Assisted Living Association.
Dr. Schwertner’s late father was a decorated Air Force officer, and his mother is a retired mental health nurse. He is a proud sixth-generation Texan from a family of farmers, ranchers, and landowners. In addition to his role in the Texas Legislature, Dr. Schwertner is a practicing orthopedic surgeon, treating thousands of patients each year. He and his wife, Belinda, reside in Georgetown and have three sons: Carson, Zachary, and Matthew.