Potter County vs. Concho County
Caprock Crossroads & Concho Valley Quiet
Potter County and Concho County capture two very different but deeply connected forms of Texas resilience. Potter County, home to the northern half of Amarillo, is a regional crossroads where art, agriculture, energy, and Route 66 culture intersect on the High Plains. Concho County, in the heart of the Concho Valley, moves at a quieter pace shaped by pecan orchards, ranching families, and small-town traditions in Paint Rock and Eden. One county grows through urban revitalization and cultural energy; the other through steady land stewardship and community loyalty. Together, they remind Texans that strength comes from both our population centers and our rural roots; and that each deserves thoughtful leadership.
Potter County (Population Approx. 120,000)
Potter County blends Amarillo’s arts district, stockyards, air routes, agriculture, and the iconic Cadillac Ranch into a unique West Texas identity. Its economy draws from healthcare, food processing, transportation, and cultural tourism. Growth brings opportunities but also challenges around housing, homelessness, mental health services, and infrastructure maintenance. Residents value the grit, creativity, and generosity that Amarillo is known for.
Concho County (Population Approx. 3,300)
Concho County is known for ranching, pecans along the Concho River, and quiet communities like Paint Rock: home to some of the most significant Native American pictographs in Texas. Life is defined by rural strength: local schools, Friday night lights, and community events that bring neighbors together. Challenges include limited medical access, maintaining small-town commerce, and protecting water resources.
Why It Matters
Potter and Concho counties show how different Texas communities are shaped by different pressures: urban social service needs versus rural service scarcity; yet Texans everywhere want stability, safety, opportunity, and representation that respects local realities.
Why Forward
Forward believes Texas works best when electoral systems reward leaders who solve problems rather than inflame divisions.
In Potter County, open primaries and Ranked Choice Voting would elevate leaders focused on homelessness solutions, transportation improvements, small-business support, and mental health partnerships — issues that deserve cooperation, not partisanship.
In Concho County, those same reforms protect rural representation and ensure ranch families, teachers, and small-business owners aren’t overshadowed by urban voting blocs. Ranked Choice Voting empowers independent-minded voters and strengthens trust in low-turnout elections.
Forward’s mission — trust, transparency, and teamwork — fits both counties well. From Amarillo’s vibrant arts district to Concho Valley’s pecan groves, Texans deserve systems that amplify local voices and practical leadership.
Did You Know…
Potter County is home to Cadillac Ranch: one of the most photographed public art sites in the U.S.
Paint Rock contains more than 1,500 ancient pictographs, some thousands of years old.
Why Texans Love Living Here
Potter County residents love the arts, the food, the grit, and the openness of West Texas hospitality. Concho County residents love the peace, the land, the deep history, and the sense that neighbors show up when needed. Both take pride in traditions passed down across generations.
Key Events That Bring Neighbors Together
Tri-State Fair & Rodeo (Potter County) — A major Panhandle tradition with livestock shows, concerts, and community pride.
Eden Fall Festival — Live entertainment, dance. Food & arts and craft vendors, children's activities.
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:
