Bastrop County vs. Coke County
Lost Pines & Lone Mesas
Bastrop County and Coke County reflect the diversity of Texas landscapes: from the pine forests east of Austin to the mesas and quiet plains of West Texas. Bastrop County is shaped by rapid growth, outdoor recreation, creative communities, and the recovery and renewal that followed major wildfires earlier in the decade. Coke County, anchored by Robert Lee and Bronte, is defined by ranching, smalltown pride, and historic ties to frontier life. One county is expanding quickly; the other holds steady with resilience. Together, they show the importance of systems that reflect local needs, not statewide assumptions.
Bastrop County (Population Approx. 110,000)
Bastrop County blends the Lost Pines region, historic downtowns, film production, and outdoor destinations like Bastrop State Park. Growth tied to Austin’s expansion continues to transform the local economy, bringing opportunity but also challenges in transportation, fire mitigation, housing, and infrastructure expansion. Residents value nature, local arts, and small-town charm.
Coke County (Population Approx. 3,300)
Coke County stretches across ranchland, mesas, and the headwaters of the Colorado River. Its communities — Robert Lee and Bronte — reflect the quiet strength of rural Texas. Life centers on ranching, hunting, small shops, and schools that serve as community anchors. Challenges include broadband access, medical distance, and sustaining local businesses.
Why It Matters
These counties illustrate the breadth of Texas needs: wildfire resilience and suburban growth in one, essential service preservation and cultural heritage in the other. Both deserve a political system built on problem-solving.
Why Forward
Forward believes that Texans thrive when electoral systems elevate leaders who solve real issues, not those who fuel division.
In Bastrop County, open primaries and Ranked Choice Voting would help elect leaders focused on wildfire prevention, sustainable growth, road improvements, and protecting local character.
In Coke County, those reforms ensure rural residents have a strong voice in statewide decisions. Ranked Choice Voting benefits communities where elections hinge on small turnout and where independent voters often decide outcomes.
Forward’s mission: trust, transparency, and teamwork; rings true across both counties. From the pine forests of Bastrop to the mesas of Coke County, Texans deserve systems that listen and respond.
Did You Know…
Bastrop State Park is one of the few remaining stands of the Lost Pines ecosystem.
Bronte was home to legendary Texas figure General Henry McCulloch.
Why Texans Love Living Here
Bastrop residents love the blend of nature, culture, and proximity to Austin. Coke residents love the quiet roads, the ranchland skies, and the strong sense of belonging rooted in family and place.
Key Events That Bring Neighbors Together
People & Tech Created This
The profiles and shared challenges were gathered from Texas Forward Party supporters and written using ChatGPT and Gemini models to combine verified public data, official county/state sources, and general knowledge from Texas historical and government records:
