Jasper County vs. Duval County
Timber & Brush
Today’s match-up contrasts the deep pine forests of East Texas with the legendary brush country of the South. Jasper County is a timber and lakes powerhouse, known as the "Jewel of the Forest." Duval County is famous for its complex political history ("The Kingdom of Duval") and its status as a premier deer hunting destination. One is defined by tall trees and reservoirs; the other by mesquite, oil, and political lore.
Jasper County (Population Approx. 33,000)
Jasper County is deep in the woods. Jasper and Kirbyville serve as the centers for a timber-rich region that also borders Sam Rayburn Reservoir. The economy is driven by forestry, paper mills, and tourism. The community is resilient, working hard to overcome past racial tensions and natural disasters to build a unified future. Challenges include rural healthcare access and economic diversification.
Duval County (Population Approx. 10,000)
Duval County is the stuff of Texas legend. San Diego and Freer anchor a county famous for its oil wealth (the "Muy Grande" deer contest started in Freer) and its historical political machine led by George Parr. Today, it is a quiet, rural community focused on energy and hunting. Residents are proud of their tight-knit families and the rugged beauty of the South Texas brush. Challenges include educational attainment and infrastructure maintenance.
Why It Matters
Jasper County manages vital forestry resources. Duval County sits atop energy reserves that power the state. Both counties have storied pasts that shape their present, and both need forward-looking leadership to thrive in the 21st century.
Why Forward
Forward believes that the logger in Jasper and the roughneck in Freer deserve a fresh start.
In Jasper County, the community is healing and growing. Open Primaries would allow voters to move beyond old divisions and elect leaders who focus on economic opportunity and infrastructure. Ranked Choice Voting would ensure that all voices in the community are heard and respected.
In Duval County, the shadow of the past looms large. Ranked Choice Voting empowers the community to break free from single-party dominance or machine politics, allowing voters to support candidates who prioritize transparency and local development. It offers a new path for South Texas democracy.
Did You Know…
Jasper is known as the "Jewel of the Forest" and was a center of the timber boom in the early 1900s.
Freer (Duval) hosts the Muy Grande Deer Contest, the oldest and most prestigious deer hunting contest in the world.
Sam Rayburn Reservoir (partially in Jasper) is the largest lake wholly within Texas.
Duval County was historically known for the "Box 13" scandal and the political influence of the Parr family ("The Duke of Duval").
Martin Dies Jr. State Park in Jasper offers incredible paddling through the sloughs of the Neches River.
Why Texans Love Living Here
Jasper residents love the tall pines, the quiet fishing coves, and the beauty of the azaleas in spring. Duval locals love the thrill of the hunt, the "Rattlesnake Roundup" excitement, and the enduring bonds of family and land.
Key Events That Bring Neighbors Together
Azalea Festival (Jasper): A spring celebration of the blooming flowers and local arts.
Freer Rattlesnake Roundup (Duval): A classic Texas event featuring snake handling, music, and food.
Butterfly Festival (Jasper): celebrating the migration of monarchs.
Duval County Fair: Bringing the community together for livestock and celebration.
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:
