Travis County vs. Borden County
Innovation & Independence
This match-up contrasts Texas’ creative capital with one of its smallest, most self-reliant counties. Travis County, home to Austin and nearly 1.4 million people, is a hub of music, technology, and civic energy where innovation shapes daily life. Borden County, with about 600 residents, is a tight-knit ranching and farming community in the heart of West Texas. One thrives on growth and collaboration; the other values simplicity and independence. Yet both share the same core idea: Texans can build the future while staying true to their roots. Together, they represent a bridge between progress and preservation: the balance Forward believes defines Texas at its best.
Travis County (approx. 1.4 million)
Home to Austin, the state capital, Travis County anchors Texas’ technology and creative economy. The area’s challenges include housing affordability, traffic congestion, infrastructure, and maintaining community as growth accelerates.
Borden County (approx. 600)
Located on the rolling plains between Lubbock and Big Spring, Borden County relies on ranching, cotton farming, and oil production. Its challenges include population decline, limited services, and economic diversification.
Why It Matters
Travis County debates revolve around urban growth, affordability, and environmental stewardship. Borden County debates revolve around sustaining local schools, healthcare, and family ranching operations. Both ask how Texas can grow without losing what makes each community unique.
Why Forward
Forward believes that progress doesn’t have to mean polarization.
In Travis County, reforms like Ranked Choice Voting and open primaries would allow the region’s diverse population to choose candidates who prioritize problem-solving over party platforms: building consensus around housing, water management, and innovation. Fair maps would protect neighborhoods across Austin from being split apart by gerrymandering, ensuring fairer representation for all.
In Borden County, those same reforms would ensure that rural Texans have a real say in Austin’s decision-making. Open primaries would let ranchers, farmers, and small-business owners run and vote based on ideas; not party labels. Ranked Choice Voting would give small communities more influence by encouraging coalition-building.
Forward’s approach blends civic innovation with local freedom: empowering urban problem-solvers and rural doers to lead together. Whether through tech startups or cattle roundups, Texans deserve leaders who listen, collaborate, and deliver.
Did You Know…
Travis County’s Austin is known as the “Live Music Capital of the World,” home to more than 250 live venues.
Borden County was named after Gail Borden Jr., the inventor of condensed milk and one of Texas’ earliest newspapermen.
Why Texans Love Living Here
Travis County residents love Austin’s blend of creativity and community: festivals, food trucks, and friendly neighborhoods that celebrate new ideas. Borden County residents love the peace and purpose that come with open land, clear skies, and close family ties. Both embody the Texas belief that freedom and fellowship go hand in hand.
Key Events That Bring Neighbors Together
Austin City Limits Music Festival: two weekends of live music that showcase global artists and local talent.
Gail Mountain Classic Rodeo: a celebration of West Texas ranch life, community history, and classic rodeo competition.
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, but not limited to:
