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. A member of the Republican Party, she defeated incumbent DeWayne Burns for the party's nomination in 2024. Her daughter, Brooke Rollins, is currently serving as the United States Secretary of Agriculture.
Career 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 to run for mayor. She has owned the Country Woods Inn, a ranch and bed-and-breakfast, since 1980.
Political career
Mayor of Glen Rose
In 1997, Kerwin ran and won a term as mayor. She was then elected as a Somervell County Commissioner.
Texas State House 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. She placed first in the Republican primary election and defeated Burns in the ensuing run-off election.
Tenure In January 2025, Kerwin supported David Cook for speaker and introduced legislation to combat PFAS contamination in sewage sludge-based fertilizers.
Electoral history
Personal life Kerwin raised three daughters as a single mother; Brooke who is currently serving as the United States Secretary of Agriculture, Helen Jr. who is principal of Glen Rose Intermediate School, and Ann who is a professor at Texas Christian University and married to the university's chancellor, Daniel Pullin. She grew up in Minnesota and married her husband, Hugh Leslie, in 1969 and the couple moved to California before moving to Texas in 1975 to buy and operate a hotel; the two later separated.
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