Val Verde County vs. Yoakum County
Oasis & Energy
This match-up contrasts the border waters of Del Rio with the high plains energy fields. Val Verde County is home to Amistad National Recreation Area and Laughlin Air Force Base, a community defined by water management and border trade. Yoakum County, on the New Mexico border, is a stronghold of oil and agriculture, where pumpjacks line the horizon. One looks to the Rio Grande; the other looks to the Permian Basin.
Val Verde County (Population Approx. 47,000)
Val Verde County is an oasis in the desert. Del Rio sits on the San Felipe Springs and borders Lake Amistad, offering premier fishing and boating. The economy is driven by the Air Force base, border patrol, and tourism. The vibe is a unique blend of Texas and Mexico culture, centered around precious water resources. Challenges include border infrastructure strain, water conservation, and economic diversification.
Yoakum County (Population Approx. 7,600)
Yoakum County is where the oil patch meets the farm. Plains and Denver City are the hubs of this community, which sits atop the Permian Basin and produces significant cotton and peanuts. The vibe is industrious and independent, with a strong community spirit fueled by high school sports and local festivals. Residents focus on economic stability in a volatile energy market and maintaining high-quality local schools.
Why It Matters
Val Verde manages international water rights and national defense training. Yoakum County contributes significantly to the state's energy independence. Both counties rely on federal and state cooperation to manage their primary assets effectively.
Why Forward
Forward believes that the pilot in Del Rio and the driller in Denver City deserve a government that works.
In Val Verde County, the issues are complex. Open Primaries would allow the community to elect leaders who understand border nuances and can build coalitions, rather than partisans who use the region as a talking point. Ranked Choice Voting would ensure environmental and economic interests are balanced.
In Yoakum County, rural voices need amplification. Ranked Choice Voting gives the energy community the power to elect champions for infrastructure and education funding without fear of splitting the vote. It ensures that the Panhandle’s contributions are recognized.
Did You Know…
Lake Amistad (Val Verde) is a reservoir on the Rio Grande known for some of the best bass fishing in the world.
Denver City (Yoakum) was founded in the late 1930s specifically due to the discovery of oil in the Wasson Field.
Laughlin Air Force Base in Del Rio is the largest pilot training base in the U.S. Air Force.
Yoakum County shares a border with New Mexico and is a top producer of both oil and peanuts.
The Judge Roy Bean Visitor Center is located in Langtry (Val Verde), preserving the "Law West of the Pecos" history.
Why Texans Love Living Here
Val Verde residents love the crystal clear waters of the springs, the international culture, and the recreational paradise of the lake. Yoakum locals love the safety of their small towns, the high quality of their schools funded by energy revenue, and the stunning West Texas sunsets.
Key Events That Bring Neighbors Together
Fiesta de Amistad (Del Rio): A celebration of friendship between Del Rio and Ciudad Acuña.
Yoakum County Watermelon Round-Up (Plains): Celebrating the county's agricultural roots.
George Paul Memorial Bull Riding (Del Rio): The oldest continuous stand-alone bull riding event in the world.
Denver City Fall Festival: A community gathering with vendors and family 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:
