Hutchinson County vs. Frio County
Boomtowns & Country Kings
This match-up pairs an industrial giant of the Panhandle with the heart of the South Texas brush country. Hutchinson County, home to Borger, was a legendary oil boomtown and remains a refining center. Frio County, home to Pearsall, is a hunter's paradise and the home of George Strait. One is defined by refineries and Lake Meredith; the other by mesquite, deer, and country music royalty.
Hutchinson County (Population Approx. 20,600)
Hutchinson County is built on energy. Borger was founded in 1926 during a massive oil boom and retains its industrial muscle with refineries and chemical plants. It also hosts Lake Meredith National Recreation Area, a vital water source and playground. The vibe is gritty, patriotic, and hardworking. Challenges include economic diversification and water conservation.
Frio County (Population Approx. 18,000)
Frio County is brush country at its finest. Pearsall serves as the hub for a region dominated by peanut farming, cattle ranching, and deer hunting. It is famously the area where George Strait grew up and ranched. The landscape is rugged and iconic. Challenges include managing the Eagle Ford Shale impact on roads and housing.
Why It Matters
Hutchinson County processes the fuel that keeps us moving. Frio County stewards the land that defines the Texas outdoorsman. Both counties are essential to the state's identity and economy.
Why Forward
Forward believes that the refinery worker in Borger and the rancher in Pearsall both power our state.
In Hutchinson County, industrial safety and infrastructure are key. Open Primaries would allow the community to elect leaders who focus on workforce training and environmental standards, rather than partisan dogma. Ranked Choice Voting would help the diverse population of the boomtown find consensus.
In Frio County, the rural heritage is strong. Ranked Choice Voting empowers the community to support candidates who prioritize land rights and rural roads. It ensures that the home of the King of Country has a voice in Austin.
Did You Know…
Borger (Hutchinson) was once known as the wildest boomtown in Texas, requiring the Texas Rangers to restore order in the 1920s.
Pearsall (Frio) is home to the "World's Largest Peanut" monument (though Floresville might argue about the title).
George Strait, the "King of Country," grew up in Pearsall and maintains strong ties to the area.
Lake Meredith in Hutchinson County was a primary water source for the Panhandle and offers dramatic canyon views.
Adobe Walls, the site of two famous battles between Native Americans and buffalo hunters/army, is in Hutchinson County.
Why Texans Love Living Here
Hutchinson residents love the "Magic City" history, the lake weekends, and the good-paying jobs. Frio locals love the big bucks, the peanut harvest, and the pride of claiming George Strait as one of their own.
Key Events That Bring Neighbors Together
Beach Bash (Borger/Hutchinson): A summer festival celebrating the community.
Potato Festival (Pearsall/Frio): Wait, it's actually the Pearsall Potato Festival? No, it's the Pearsall Potato Famine? correction: It's the Pearsall Tater Fest (celebrating potatoes and peanuts).
High Plains BBQ Bash (Borger): A delicious competition.
Frio County Junior Livestock Show: Supporting local youth.
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:
