McLennan County vs. Armstrong County
From Baylor Bears to Buffalo Trails
From the bustling university hub of Waco to the quiet ranchlands outside Amarillo, McLennan and Armstrong counties embody two sides of Texas’ evolving story. McLennan blends innovation, education, and small-business growth into a Central Texas success story. Armstrong keeps alive the open-range independence that first defined the state. Together they prove that the drive to build, teach, and serve runs deep across Texas soil.
McLennan County (Population approx.270,000)
McLennan County has become a symbol of Central Texas resurgence. Anchored by Baylor University, the county’s economy thrives on education, healthcare, and a growing manufacturing sector. Downtown Waco’s renaissance has drawn entrepreneurs, artists, and families seeking affordable opportunity along the Brazos River. Yet rapid growth brings pressure: infrastructure, housing, and equitable access to resources must keep pace with progress. McLennan’s communities are tackling those challenges with the same determination that rebuilt the city after past hardships.
Armstrong County (Population approx.1,800)
East of Amarillo, Armstrong County stretches across wide prairie and ranch country. Claude—the county seat—feels like a living snapshot of early Texas, where the courthouse square, volunteer fire station, and café still anchor daily life. Ranching and wind energy sustain the local economy, and neighbors depend on one another through drought, distance, and long winters. The open land and steadfast community reflect a heritage of self-reliance that continues unbroken.
Why It Matters
McLennan and Armstrong counties face different realities—urban growth versus rural endurance—but share a commitment to preserving what makes their communities thrive: education, honesty, and a deep respect for hard work. Their contrast captures the essence of a Texas that’s both modern and timeless.
Why Forward
Forward believes Texas’ strength lies in empowering both dynamic metro centers and steadfast rural towns.
In McLennan County, open primaries and Ranked Choice Voting would encourage leaders to collaborate across party lines on infrastructure, workforce training, and affordable housing. These reforms would help ensure representation for everyone—from Baylor students to long-time Waco families—so that progress reflects the whole community.
In Armstrong County, those same tools would preserve rural representation and give independent-minded voters a real say in Austin’s policy decisions. Ranked Choice Voting ensures that local elections reflect consensus, not division, even when margins are tight.
Forward’s mission—to build a culture of trust, transparency, and teamwork—connects both counties. From McLennan’s classrooms to Armstrong’s ranchlands, Texans deserve systems that amplify problem-solvers, reward collaboration, and strengthen communities instead of dividing them.
Did You Know…
Waco’s Dr Pepper Museum marks the birthplace of the original soft drink, first served in 1885.
Claude, in Armstrong County, provided filming locations for Hud and The Last Picture Show, classic portrayals of small-town Texas life.
Why Texans Love Living Here
Residents of McLennan County love the mix of small-city friendliness and big-dream energy that comes from living in a place of renewal and reinvention. In Armstrong County, locals cherish the open skies, quiet strength, and enduring bonds of a community that still runs on trust and neighborly care.
Key Events That Bring Neighbors Together
Silobration (Waco) – A three-day festival of Texas food, music, and makers hosted in downtown Waco’s iconic Silos District.
Claude Old Settlers Reunion & Rodeo (Armstrong County) – Families and ranchers gather every July to celebrate pioneer heritage with parades, rodeos, and reunions on the courthouse lawn.
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:
