Webb County vs. Oldham County
Gateway to Mexico Meets the Texas Panhandle
From the bustling border city of Laredo to the windswept ranches of the Panhandle, Webb and Oldham counties illustrate Texas’ diversity in economy and identity. Webb is one of the state’s largest and youngest counties by population, while Oldham is among its smallest and oldest by settlement. Together they show how border trade and frontier tradition each carry the Texas story forward.
Webb County (Population approx. 270,000)
Laredo anchors the southern border with a thriving bilingual economy tied to international trade. The Port of Laredo is the nation’s busiest inland port, moving goods between Texas and Mexico daily. Webb County faces challenges in transportation, education, and infrastructure, but its entrepreneurial spirit and cross-cultural vibrancy make it a model for future-focused Texas cities.
Oldham County (Population approx. 2,000)
At the crossroads of I-40 and Route 66, Oldham County holds tight to its frontier past. Vega, the county seat, features historic brick streets and ranchlands that stretch to the horizon. Residents balance preservation and progress as they sustain rural schools and tourism along the old Mother Road.
Why It Matters
Texas’ future depends on both global connectivity and rural continuity. Webb and Oldham show how trade and tradition can coexist when policy is driven by people, not parties.
Why Forward
Forward believes Texas’ strength lies in empowering both border gateways and frontier communities.
In Webb County, open primaries and Ranked Choice Voting would elevate leaders focused on infrastructure, education, and economic innovation instead of polarization. These tools would help bridge business and community voices across cultural lines.
In Oldham County, those same reforms would preserve local representation and give ranchers, teachers, and independent voters a stronger voice in state policy. Ranked Choice Voting would ensure competitive elections that reward collaboration, not division.
Forward’s mission: to build trust, transparency, and teamwork; fits both counties. From Laredo’s bustling border crossings to Vega’s quiet ranches, Texans deserve systems that reward service over slogans.
Did You Know…
Laredo was the capital of the short-lived Republic of the Rio Grande in 1840.
Oldham County’s Route 66 Heritage Museum preserves Panhandle history and roadside culture.
Why Texans Love Living Here
Residents of Webb County love the bustling energy and deep sense of heritage that come with living at a border crossroads. In Oldham, locals love the peace of ranch life and the pride of maintaining a piece of Old Texas on historic Route 66.
Key Events That Bring Neighbors Together
Washington’s Birthday Celebration / Jalapeno Festival (Laredo) – The largest border festival in the U.S., featuring parades, pageantry, and heritage events.
Route 66 Festival (Vega) – Celebrates classic cars, music, and Panhandle hospitality along the Mother Road.
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:
