Gaines County vs. Zapata County
Mennonites & Bass Fishing
Today’s match-up pairs the agricultural powerhouse of the Permian Basin with the fishing capital of the border. Gaines County, home to Seminole, is known for its large Mennonite community, cotton, and oil. Zapata County, on the Rio Grande, is famous for Falcon Lake and its bass fishing. One is defined by faith and farming; the other by water and the border.
Gaines County (Population Approx. 22,000)
Gaines County is one of the top agricultural counties in Texas. Seminole serves as the hub for a region that produces massive amounts of cotton, peanuts, and oil. The county is home to a significant Mennonite community, which contributes heavily to the county’s agricultural success. The vibe is industrious, conservative, and family-oriented. Challenges include water conservation in the Ogallala Aquifer and road maintenance.
Zapata County (Population Approx. 13,800)
Zapata County is a water world in the desert. Zapata sits on the banks of Falcon Lake, a reservoir on the Rio Grande known for world-class bass fishing. The economy relies on tourism, oil, and ranching. The community has a deep Tejano heritage and is known for its resilience (the original town was flooded to create the lake). Challenges include border security dynamics and fluctuating lake levels.
Why It Matters
Gaines County feeds and clothes us. Zapata County offers recreation and manages a shared international resource. Both counties are culturally distinct and economically vital.
Why Forward
Forward believes that the farmer in Seminole and the fishing guide in Zapata both strengthen our state.
In Gaines County, the agricultural stakes are high. Open Primaries would allow the community to elect leaders who focus on the Farm Bill and water rights, rather than partisan ideology. Ranked Choice Voting would help the diverse agricultural communities find common ground.
In Zapata County, the border voice is essential. Ranked Choice Voting empowers the community to support candidates who understand the specific needs of the border region-like trade and tourism-without being drowned out by national rhetoric. It ensures that Falcon Lake remains a destination.
Did You Know…
Gaines County is consistently the top cotton-producing county in Texas and often the nation.
Falcon Lake (Zapata) is legendary for producing trophy largemouth bass.
Seminole (Gaines) is the birthplace of country music star Larry Gatlin.
Old Zapata lies at the bottom of Falcon Lake; the town was relocated in the 1950s when the dam was built.
The Mennonite community in Gaines County has brought significant agricultural innovation to the region.
Why Texans Love Living Here
Gaines residents love the sight of white cotton fields, the strong faith community, and the economic opportunity. Zapata locals love the "big bass" stories, the lake sunsets, and the deep roots of their families in the region.
Key Events That Bring Neighbors Together
Gaines County Ag & Oil Celebration: Honoring the two pillars of the economy.
Zapata County Fair: A major event with livestock, music, and food ("The Little Fair with a Big Heart").
July 4th Freedom Festival (Seminole): A patriotic gathering.
Falcon Lake Bass Tournaments: Regular events that draw anglers from everywhere.
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:
