Colorado County vs. Pecos County
Oaks & Desert Springs
This match-up spans the ecology of Texas, from the live oaks of the coastal plains to the Chihuahuan Desert. Colorado County, home to Columbus, is a historic settlement rich in gravel mining, rice, and opera houses. Pecos County, home to Fort Stockton, is a gateway to the west, known for Paisano Pete and the Comanche Springs. One is lush and river-fed; the other is arid and resilient.
Colorado County (Population Approx. 20,000)
Colorado County is a place of deep roots. Columbus is known for its "Live Oak Capital" status and the magnificent Stafford Opera House. The economy relies on gravel, agriculture, and a growing number of commuters from Houston. The vibe is historic, green, and stately. Challenges include managing flooding from the Colorado River and preserving rural land from development.
Pecos County (Population Approx. 15,000)
Pecos County is the crossroads of the Trans-Pecos. Fort Stockton grew up around the Comanche Springs, once the third-largest in Texas. Today, the economy is driven by oil, gas, and renewable energy, as well as tourism to Big Bend. The community is welcoming, diverse, and proud of its frontier history. Challenges include water conservation (reviving the springs) and boom-bust economic cycles.
Why It Matters
Colorado County provides construction materials (gravel) for the state's growth. Pecos County provides the energy. Both counties sit on major transportation corridors (I-10) and manage vital water resources.
Why Forward
Forward believes that the gravel hauler in Columbus and the solar tech in Fort Stockton both build our state.
In Colorado County, heritage is the asset. Open Primaries would allow the community to elect leaders who focus on historic preservation and flood mitigation, rather than partisan rhetoric. Ranked Choice Voting would help the diverse towns work together.
In Pecos County, water is life. Ranked Choice Voting empowers the community to support candidates who prioritize aquifer health and economic diversification. It ensures that the Gateway to the West remains vibrant.
Did You Know…
The Stafford Opera House in Columbus (Colorado) is a beautifully restored 1886 theater that still hosts performances.
Fort Stockton (Pecos) is home to Paisano Pete, one of the world's largest roadrunner statues.
Colorado County is known for its massive live oak trees, with a driving trail dedicated to them.
Comanche Springs in Pecos County was a vital oasis on the Comanche Trail and San Antonio-El Paso Road.
The Attwater Prairie Chicken National Wildlife Refuge is located in Colorado County, protecting a critically endangered bird.
Why Texans Love Living Here
Colorado residents love the shade of the oaks, the small-town festivals, and the easy drive to the city. Pecos locals love the desert beauty, the history of the fort, and the feeling of being at the center of the West.
Key Events That Bring Neighbors Together
Magnolia Days Festival (Columbus/Colorado): A celebration of history and community on the courthouse square.
Comanche Springs Rodeo (Fort Stockton/Pecos): A classic western event.
Splashway Waterpark (Sheridan/Colorado): A major regional attraction for families.
Big Bend Open Road Race (Fort Stockton): High-speed racing on public highways.
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:
