Starr County vs. Hansford County
Border Heritage & Northern Plains
Today’s match-up spans the entire length of the state, from the Rio Grande Valley to the top of the Panhandle. Starr County, rich in Tejano history and trade, sits on the Mexican border. Hansford County, bordering Oklahoma, is a powerhouse of grain and energy production. One is defined by the river and deep cultural roots; the other by the vast, flat horizon and the feedyard economy. Both are border counties: one south, one north; that anchor the extremities of Texas.
Starr County (Population Approx. 65,000)
Starr County is deep South Texas. Rio Grande City and Roma feature some of the most historically significant architecture in the Southwest, with buildings dating to the 1800s. The economy is driven by international trade, agriculture, and oil. The vibe is culturally vibrant, bilingual, and resilient. Challenges include border security dynamics, healthcare disparities, and economic development in a region often overlooked by the state capital.
Hansford County (Population Approx. 5,200)
Hansford County is the "Top of Texas." Spearman, the county seat, sits in the heart of the grain belt, surrounded by corn, wheat, and cattle feedyards. It is also a significant producer of wind energy. The community is hardworking, conservative, and neighborly; facing the challenges of water depletion in the Ogallala Aquifer and the need to attract young families to a remote region.
Why It Matters
Starr County is a cultural and economic bridge to Mexico. Hansford County feeds the nation and powers the grid. Both counties are geographically isolated from the major Texas metros, meaning their specific infrastructure and policy needs can easily be ignored in Austin.
Why Forward
Forward believes that the merchant in Roma and the farmer in Spearman both deserve a seat at the table.
In Starr County, the political landscape is shifting. Open Primaries would ensure that the diverse views of the border region,which often don't fit neatly into "Red" or "Blue" boxes, are represented. Ranked Choice Voting would allow the community to elect leaders who prioritize cross-border infrastructure and local economic growth.
In Hansford County, the rural economy drives everything. Ranked Choice Voting empowers the agricultural community to band together and elect candidates who will fight for rural broadband, water conservation, and farm support; ensuring that the Northern Plains have a voice in the future of Texas.
Did You Know…
Roma (Starr) is a National Historic Landmark District, featuring architecture that resembles a town in the Mexican interior.
Spearman (Hansford) is known as the "Windmill City" due to the collection of windmills in J.B. Buchanan Park.
Fort Ringgold in Rio Grande City (Starr) served as a military post from 1848 to 1944.
Hansford County is one of the top agricultural counties in Texas by value sold.
Starr County was the site of the Garza Revolution in the late 19th century, a significant event in border history.
Why Texans Love Living Here
Starr residents love the deep cultural roots, the historic plazas, and the delicious fusion of Tex-Mex cuisine. Hansford locals love the wide-open skies, the friendly community spirit, and the pride of feeding the world from the high plains.
Key Events That Bring Neighbors Together
Starr County Fair (Rio Grande City): A spring tradition with livestock shows, parades, and music celebrating the county's heritage.
Hansford County Heritage Days (Spearman): A celebration of the county's history with a parade, BBQ, and games.
Roma Fest: A celebration of the city's historic district and cultural legacy.
Spearman Lynx Homecoming: A major community event where the whole town turns out to support the high school.
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:
