About Commissioner Dawn Buckingham, M.D.

Dr. Dawn Buckingham’s family were among the first settlers to Texas nine generations ago, and that tough, independent, pioneer spirit is deeply rooted in her personality.

True to her Texas roots, Dawn’s 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.

Dawn made history in 2016 as the first Republican elected to the Texas State Senate from Travis County, and the first woman to represent Senate District 24. She later made history again in 2022, winning a statewide election to become our state’s first female Land Commissioner.

Dawn came from humble roots—growing up on a ranch near the Texas coast. However, 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 UT-Austin. With endurance of spirit, she graduated Magna Cum Laude and debt-free.

During college she met the love of her life and husband of 33 years, Ed Buckingham. Dawn and Ed both went on to receive medical degrees from the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston before having two children and starting successful medical practices within their specialties.

 Dawn Buckingham truly 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.

Dawn describes herself as “the happiest Land Commissioner ever,” as every day she defends our state’s rich history, oil and gas industry, and our national border with Mexico.

As the chief steward to thirteen million acres of state land, Dawn acts as the largest land owner and mineral owner in the state in her capacity as Land Commissioner. The oil and gas revenue generated by mineral rights on these lands fund education and many veteran programs.

In her role as Land Commissioner, she is also vital to Texans recovering from disasters, and to the health of our coast.

Dawn’s greatest love is the Shrine of Liberty, the Alamo. Every day she works tirelessly on a large project to make a visit to the Alamo worthy of the significance of the events that happened there and to ensure the Alamo is standing proudly for years to come so our future generations can know and love our proud history.