Cameron County vs. Cottle County
Coastlines & Crossroads
This pairing connects two counties that, though worlds apart in landscape, share Texas’ trademark resilience. Cameron County, at the southern tip of the state, stands where the Rio Grande meets the Gulf: a hub of trade, tourism, and innovation. Cottle County, set in the plains of North Texas, is home to fewer than 1,300 residents and the quiet perseverance of ranch life. One looks outward across oceans and borders; the other inward toward tradition and continuity. Together they show how Texas prospers when opportunity travels both ways: from the coast to the heartland and back again.
Cameron County (Approx. 420,000)
Anchored by Brownsville, Harlingen, and South Padre Island, Cameron County’s economy thrives on manufacturing, healthcare, education, and coastal tourism. It’s also home to the rapidly expanding aerospace corridor led by SpaceX at Boca Chica. Challenges include flood management, infrastructure growth, and maintaining affordable housing in high-demand coastal zones.
Cottle County (Approx. 1,300)
Centered on Paducah, “the Crossroads of America,” Cottle County depends on ranching, cotton, and wind energy. Its challenges reflect many rural realities: aging infrastructure, healthcare access, and keeping younger generations connected to local opportunity.
Why It Matters
Cameron County debates revolve around border trade, job creation, and climate resilience. Cottle County debates focus on sustaining small-town schools, ranch operations, and local healthcare. Both illustrate how leadership must adapt to place: from coastal economies to cattle country; without losing sight of shared Texas priorities.
Why Forward
Forward believes good governance means listening locally and thinking long-term.
In Cameron County, open primaries and Ranked Choice Voting would encourage leaders who can bridge communities across industry, language, and culture: balancing growth with preservation. Fair maps would keep diverse border neighborhoods fairly represented, ensuring collaboration on flooding, housing, and education.
In Cottle County, those same reforms would give rural voters genuine competition and choice. Ranked Choice Voting would reward consensus-builders: ranchers, teachers, business owners; who want pragmatic solutions rather than partisan promises.
Forward’s approach connects both worlds: fostering innovation on the coast and independence on the plains. Because from Boca Chica’s launchpads to Paducah’s feed store, Texans deserve representation that reaches for the stars and still remembers home.
Did You Know…
Cameron County hosts SpaceX’s Starbase: launch site for the world’s largest rocket.
Cottle County was once part of the Matador Ranch, one of the most historic cattle operations in Texas.
Why Texans Love Living Here
Cameron County residents love the ocean breezes, the blend of cultures, and the excitement of a community on the rise. Cottle County locals love open roads, neighborly waves, and a life measured in seasons, not stress. Both prove that pride of place is the heartbeat of Texas.
Key Events That Bring Neighbors Together
Charro Days Fiesta — a bi-national celebration of friendship and heritage between Brownsville and Matamoros.
Cottle County Cowboy Reunion & Rodeo — a summer gathering of families, ranchers, and rodeo hands keeping local tradition alive.
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, including, but not limited to:
