Ellis County vs. Schleicher County
Brick Streets to Big Pastures
Texas heritage meets new horizons here. Ellis County’s historic squares and booming suburbs south of Dallas showcase small-town life adapting to big-city growth. Schleicher County, far west in ranch country, keeps faith with open land, strong neighbors, and a rhythm set by sunrise. Both counties reflect the state’s living heartbeat: one paving the future on brick streets, the other guarding tradition across wide-open range.
Ellis County (Population Approx. 210,000)
Waxahachie, Ennis, Midlothian, and Red Oak grow fast on metro momentum, logistics, and manufacturing. With growth come real questions: safe roads, downtown preservation, and housing that fits teachers, first responders, and young families. Festivals, faith communities, and school traditions keep identity strong as newcomers set down roots.
Schleicher County (Population Approx. 2,700)
Eldorado and surrounding ranches move at the pace of seasons and stock tanks. The courthouse square, school gym, and volunteer fire hall are the county’s civic center. Drought, distance, and commodity swings are constant; but so are neighbors who drop everything to help mend fences, or haul a calf.
Why It Matters
Texas needs healthy small cities and healthy small towns. Ellis and Schleicher remind us growth and continuity both demand respect and smart, local leadership.
Why Forward
Forward believes Texas’s strength lies in empowering both fast-growing exurbs and steady ranch counties.
In Ellis County, open primaries and Ranked Choice Voting would elevate candidates who focus on mobility, compatible growth, and small-business vitality: solutions that keep main streets vibrant as rooftops rise.
In Schleicher County, the same tools would protect rural representation and give ranchers, educators, and independent voters a fair say in policy that affects water, schools, and healthcare access. Ranked Choice Voting ensures consensus wins in close local races.
Forward’s mission: to build a culture of trust, transparency, and teamwork; fits both counties. From brick streets to big pastures, Texans deserve systems that lift up problem-solvers and respect every community’s voice.
Did You Know…
Waxahachie hosts the long-running Scarborough Renaissance Festival each spring.
Schleicher County was named for Gustav Schleicher, a German-Texan engineer and U.S. Congressman.
Why Texans Love Living Here
Ellis County residents love historic squares, Friday lights, and the feeling that a growing place can still feel like home. In Schleicher County, locals love sunrises over shortgrass, neighbors who know your kids’ names, and a pace that keeps priorities straight.
Key Events That Bring Neighbors Together
Scarborough Renaissance Festival (Waxahachie) - Lively spring tradition with artisans, music, food, and family fun.
Schleicher County Rodeo / Community Events (Eldorado) - County fairgrounds host rodeo and civic gatherings that bring families together year-round.
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:
