Dr. Dawn Buckingham’s family were among the first settlers to Texas seven generations ago, and that tough, independent, pioneer spirit is deeply rooted in her personality.
True to her Texas roots, her commitment to service began early, serving as a volunteer firefighter, and attending the Texas A&M Fire School. She is also an avid hunter, outdoorswoman, and steward of the land. She made history in 2016 as the first woman elected to the Texas State Senate from Travis County and again made history in 2022, winning a statewide election to become our state’s first female Land Commissioner.
Dawn came from humble roots—growing up poor off the Texas coast and then on a ranch in Central Texas. But she has never settled for less than her dreams. Wanting to attend college, but without the money to do so, Dawn lived at home, working two jobs to pay her own way through college at UT-Austin.
With endurance of spirit, she graduated Magna Cum Laude and debt-free. It was during college that she met the love of her life and husband of 30 years, Ed Buckingham. Dawn and Ed both received their medical degrees from the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, went on to have two children and start successful medical practices.
Dawn’s commitment to service and recognition for her work has allowed her to hold leadership positions in local, state, and national medical organizations over the years.
Dawn embodies the American Dream. Through hard work, a “never quit” attitude and perseverance, she has risen above her circumstances to become a self-made small business owner, serving others in her profession and as an elected official, and always giving back to her community.
The General Land Office (GLO) controls state lands along the southern border, including islands within the Rio Grande, and plays a pivotal role in supporting state border security operations.
Each year, Texas public schools receive billions of dollars in royalties from leases on state lands. These funds are an essential contribution to our investment in the workforce, and citizens, of tomorrow.
Texas Veterans are a priority. The GLO proudly administers a number of state benefits earned by our men and women in uniform, including programs that make land and home ownership more attainable.
When disaster strikes, the GLO must provide relief efforts to impacted Texans and the commitment is clear: no one should have to wait for their government to begin the process of moving forward.
Texas has countless natural resources, including some of the world’s largest oil and natural gas reserves. Ensuring that these resources on state lands are utilized and maximized for the taxpayer’s benefits are top priorities.
Protecting Texas history and safeguarding it from “revision” and “reimagining” is a critical role for the GLO, which serves as the repository of our state’s precious documents and artifacts.