Randall County vs. Upton County
Rim of the Caprock & Heart of the Basin
Randall County and Upton County reveal two Texas landscapes built on resilience, community, and a sense of place. Randall: home to part of Amarillo and the stunning Palo Duro Canyon, blends suburban growth with Panhandle heritage. Upton County, deep in the Permian Basin, is quieter and more rugged, shaped by oilfields, ranching, and the endurance of small towns like Rankin and McCamey. One county grows through education, healthcare, and suburban momentum; the other through energy, land stewardship, and close-knit rural ties. Together, they show how Texas thrives when both its population centers and its frontier spaces have a seat at the table.
Randall County (Population Approx. 145,000)
Randall County includes Canyon: home to West Texas A&M University and southern Amarillo neighborhoods that continue to grow. The county blends higher education, healthcare, logistics, and agriculture. Families here value good schools, outdoor recreation, and cultural touchpoints like the TEXAS Outdoor Musical in Palo Duro Canyon. Growth brings questions about infrastructure, water management, and how to protect natural spaces in a region shaped by wind and weather.
Upton County (Population Approx. 3,400)
Rankin and McCamey anchor Upton County, one of the most energy-producing counties in the nation per capita. Oil and gas work dominates the local economy, with ranching and small-town commerce woven through daily life. Challenges include housing shortages tied to oil booms, long drives for healthcare, and the need to diversify future opportunities. But locals value independence, grit, and knowing their neighbors by name; a true hallmark of rural Texas.
Why It Matters
Randall and Upton remind Texans that communities with very different economies can still share the same core goals: safe neighborhoods, strong schools, reliable infrastructure, and leaders focused on solutions rather than division.
Why Forward
Forward believes Texas’ strength lies in empowering both growing metro-adjacent counties and rugged rural communities.
In Randall County, open primaries and Ranked Choice Voting would promote candidates focused on sustainable growth, parks, education, and long-term water planning; issues that cross party lines.
In Upton County, those same reforms would protect rural representation and help ensure that ranchers, oilfield workers, teachers, and small businesses aren’t overshadowed in statewide politics. Ranked Choice Voting empowers independent-minded voters and prevents local elections from being decided by narrow factions.
Forward’s mission: building trust, transparency, and teamwork; serves both counties well. From the rim of Palo Duro to the oil towns of the Basin, Texans deserve a government that listens and leaders who work for them.
Did You Know…
Palo Duro Canyon is the second-largest canyon in the United States.
McCamey is known as the “Wind Energy Capital of Texas” due to its turbine density.
Why Texans Love Living Here
Randall County residents love outdoor adventures, university culture, and neighborhoods where people still wave to each other. Upton County residents love the open land, the resilience of small-town life, and the pride that comes from contributing to Texas’ energy backbone.
Key Events That Bring Neighbors Together
TEXAS Outdoor Musical (Palo Duro Canyon) — A legendary summer tradition blending music, history, and community.
Independence 67 & Fourth of July Celebration (Upton County) — Parades, cookouts, and patriotic festivities that draw families from across west Texas.
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:
