Dallas County vs. King County
Big d vs. Big SkY
This pairing captures the two poles of modern Texas. Dallas County surges forward as a global hub for finance, healthcare, and technology, a fast-growing urban region of 2.6 million residents balancing prosperity with affordability. King County, by contrast, is home to barely 250 Texans and miles of open rangeland surrounding the historic 6666 Ranch. In one county, glass towers rise; in the other, windmills still turn. Yet both live the same story of self-reliance and pride in place. The contrast highlights why good governance must work everywhere; for the commuter on I-35 and the rancher watching the horizon.
Dallas County (approx. 2.6 million)
Anchoring North Texas, Dallas County thrives on arts, business, and innovation. Its challenges mirror its success: rapid growth, rising housing costs, traffic congestion, and a widening gap between opportunity and affordability.
King County (approx. 250)
One of the least-populated counties in the nation, King County stretches across 900 square miles of mesas and pastures. The economy turns on cattle, oil, and wind. Challenges center on maintaining schools, healthcare access, and basic infrastructure.
Why It Matters
Dallas debates revolve around managing expansion: how to keep housing within reach and roads moving. King County debates revolve around survival: how to keep families, teachers, and clinics from disappearing. Both ask the same question: how can leaders solve local problems without getting lost in partisan noise?
Why Forward
Forward believes real representation starts when communities, large or small, can choose leaders who earn broad trust.
In Dallas County, Ranked Choice Voting and open primaries would encourage coalition-building and reward candidates focused on affordability, public safety, and transportation rather than party talking points. With fair maps, neighborhoods could elect officials who know their blocks, not just their donors.
In King County, those same reforms would ensure that rural voters remain visible in Austin and Washington. Open primaries would let independent-minded ranchers and teachers compete without needing a party machine; Ranked Choice Voting would allow consensus candidates to win without fear of 'spoiler' labels.
Forward's principles: local empowerment, innovation, and fairness; fit both counties. Whether it is broadband for a King County school or zoning reform in Dallas, Texans deserve systems that favor solutions over slogans.
Did You Know...
The State Fair of Texas, founded in 1886, draws over 2 million visitors each fall at Fair Park in Dallas.
King County's Four Sixes Ranch inspired the TV series Yellowstone and remains one of America's largest working cattle operations.
Why Texans Love Living Here
Dallas residents love their skyline, arts, and the sense that big dreams belong to everyone. King County locals love the freedom of open space, the legacy of ranching, and a community where a handshake still matters. Each reflects a side of Texas that values drive, honesty, and neighborliness.
Key Events That Bring Neighbors Together
State Fair of Texas — weeks of food, rides, and friendly competition that showcase every corner of the state.
Cottle & King Old Settlers Reunion — where neighbors, traditions and Texas pride unite.
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:
