Lamar County vs. Castro County
Paris & The Plains
This match-up pairs a quirky East Texas icon with a powerhouse of the Panhandle. Lamar County is famous for Paris, Texas-and its cowboy-hat-wearing Eiffel Tower. Castro County, in the high plains, is a leader in dairy and corn production, feeding the state and the nation. One is defined by Red River valley culture and tourism; the other by the endless horizon and the feedyard economy.
Lamar County (Population pprox. 50,000)
Lamar County sits in the Red River Valley. Paris, the county seat, is a regional hub for medical care, manufacturing (Campbell's Soup), and history. The town rebuilt after a devastating 1916 fire and now prides itself on its unique "Paris" branding, including the Eiffel Tower replica. The vibe is historic, humorous, and community-focused. Challenges include revitalizing downtown and managing rural healthcare needs.
Castro County (Population Approx. 7,300)
Centered on Dimmitt, Castro County is an agricultural heavyweight. It is one of the top dairy-producing counties in the state and a major hub for corn and cotton. The community is defined by the smell of silage, the sight of endless green circles of crops, and a multicultural workforce driven by the ag industry. Challenges include managing water resources from the Ogallala Aquifer, addressing labor shortages, and maintaining rural roads under heavy truck traffic.
Why It Matters
Lamar County proves that rural towns can have a global brand. Castro County puts milk on the table and fuel in the tank (ethanol). Both counties face the struggle of being distant from the major metros, fighting for infrastructure dollars and attention.
Why Forward
Forward believes that the factory worker in Paris and the dairy farmer in Dimmitt both deserve a voice.
In Lamar County, the industrial and medical sectors create a diverse electorate. Open Primaries would allow these voters to choose pragmatic leaders who prioritize jobs and rural hospitals over partisan loyalty. Ranked Choice Voting would help the community elect consensus builders to navigate economic shifts.
In Castro County, the economy depends on water and trade. Ranked Choice Voting ensures that the agricultural community can elect leaders who understand the nuances of the dairy industry and aquifer conservation. It empowers the rural workforce to demand better roads and healthcare.
Did You Know…
Paris (Lamar) features a 65-foot tall replica of the Eiffel Tower topped with a giant red cowboy hat.
Castro County is often ranked as one of the highest agricultural revenue-producing counties in Texas, particularly in dairy and corn.
The Culbertson Fountain in downtown Paris is a beautiful landmark that survived the great fire of 1916.
Dimmitt (Castro) hosts the "Harvest Days" celebration, honoring the county's contribution to the food supply.
Lamar County was named for Mirabeau B. Lamar, the second president of the Republic of Texas.
Why Texans Love Living Here
Lamar residents love the "Paris of the South" jokes, the beautiful historic homes, and the Trail de Paris rail trail. Castro locals love the tight-knit "ag family" atmosphere, where Friday night football brings together the diverse community that powers the dairy industry.
Key Events That Bring Neighbors Together
Tour de Paris Bicycle Rally (Lamar): A major cycling event that draws riders from across the region.
Castro County Harvest Days (Dimmitt): An annual fair featuring a parade, vendors, and a celebration of the harvest season.
Paris Pump Track & Trail Events: Utilizing the county's investment in outdoor recreation to fuel the most elite biking events.
Salute to Agriculture (Castro): Local events honoring the farmers and dairy workers.
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:
