Bowie County vs. Baylor County
Border Cities & Prairie Heritage
Bowie County and Baylor County reflect two very different versions of Texas life: one shaped by a vibrant border metro and the other by the wide-open quiet of the Rolling Plains. Bowie County, home to Texarkana, operates at the crossroads of two states and multiple regional economies. Trains, highways, military installations, and manufacturing plants keep the county moving at a steady, metropolitan pace. Baylor County, centered around Seymour, represents a much slower rhythm: ranching country, wheat fields, fossil-rich landscapes, and tight-knit communities that gather around school sports, local festivals, and small-town pride. Together, the counties show how Texas identity blends regional bustle with rural endurance, and how both deserve representation that reflects their lived experiences.
Bowie County (Population Approx. 92,000)
Texarkana is a unique Texas story: a city literally split down the middle by the state line, yet proudly functioning as one interconnected economic region. Bowie County benefits from manufacturing, healthcare, transportation, railways, and the presence of the Red River Army Depot. Downtown revitalization efforts, local arts, higher education, and community events give residents a strong sense of place. But the county also faces challenges: economic transition, infrastructure investment, and navigating the demands of a dual-state metro environment.
Baylor County (Population Approx. 3,400)
Baylor County sits in the Rolling Plains, stretching across ranchland and farmland that define daily life. Seymour serves as the cultural and economic center, featuring the well-known Whiteside Museum of Natural History, which highlights major Permian-era fossil discoveries. The county’s economy is deeply rooted in agriculture: cattle, wheat, cotton; with wind energy becoming a growing presence across the horizon. While population decline and rural service limitations pose challenges, Baylor County residents are proud of their heritage, their independence, and the long-standing community ties that hold the county together.
Why It Matters
These counties show how different the realities of Texas communities can be; yet how aligned Texans are in their expectations for fairness, responsive government, and a political system that listens rather than divides.
Why Forward
Forward believes the electoral system should empower all Texans, not just those in the loudest or largest political blocs.
In Bowie County, open primaries and Ranked Choice Voting offer a path toward electing leaders who focus on meaningful priorities like regional economic growth, infrastructure upgrades, and cross-border partnerships. RCV helps ensure candidates appeal broadly to residents across both sides of the Texarkana region, encouraging a collaborative mindset instead of partisan polarization.
In Baylor County, Forward reforms strengthen rural voices by preventing small-town voters from being overshadowed by large metro political dynamics. Ranked Choice Voting empowers communities where elections are often decided by narrow margins, helping ensure consensus leaders represent the broader interests of ranchers, small business owners, teachers, and agricultural families.
Together, these counties highlight Forward’s core mission: systems built to reward practical problem-solving, community trust, and teamwork. Whether in a bustling border metro or a quiet plains town, Texans deserve a system that respects their voice.
Did You Know…
Texarkana’s iconic federal courthouse sits directly on the Texas–Arkansas state line, making it one of the most photographed courthouses in America.
Baylor County is home to nationally significant Permian fossil beds, documented at the Whiteside Museum of Natural History.
Why Texans Love Living Here
In Bowie County, residents love the rich mix of Texas and Southern culture, strong job opportunities, and the sense of connectivity that comes from living in a region tied to multiple states. They appreciate diverse dining, growing arts spaces, and the pride that comes from Texarkana’s unique identity.
In Baylor County, residents love the open land, the sunsets that stretch forever, the generations-old ranching traditions, and the kind of community where everyone knows your family by name. Texans here love the peace, the honesty, and the heritage that makes rural life meaningful. Both counties offer something Texans hold dear: a place where community matters more than politics.
Key Events That Bring Neighbors Together
Texarkana Twice-as-Nice Festival – Bowie County Community celebration with live music, markets, regional food, and family events.
Seymour Rodeo & Whiteside Museum Events – Baylor County Rodeo events, heritage celebrations, and science-focused gatherings tied to local fossil history.
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:
