Willacy County vs. Falls County
Gateways & Healing Waters
Today’s match-up pairs the gateway to the Rio Grande Valley with a historic health resort in Central Texas. Willacy County is an agricultural giant near the coast, known for its wildlife and wind farms. Falls County, on the Brazos River, was once famous for the healing mineral waters of Marlin. One is defined by the brush and the bay; the other by the river and the spa history.
Willacy County (Population Approx. 20,000)
Willacy County is where the Valley begins. Raymondville and Port Mansfield serve as hubs for a region driven by agriculture (sorghum, cotton), wind energy, and fishing. Port Mansfield is a premier destination for bay fishing. The community is resilient, bilingual, and hardworking. Challenges include economic development and managing the impact of border dynamics.
Falls County (population Approx. 17,000)
Falls County has a fascinating past. Marlin was once a destination for its hot mineral springs, attracting visitors like Conrad Hilton. Today, the economy relies on agriculture and healthcare. The landscape is lush and green along the Brazos. The community is working to revitalize its historic downtown and leverage its location near Waco. Challenges include poverty rates and infrastructure updates.
Why It Matters
Willacy County connects the state to the coast and the border. Falls County connects us to a forgotten era of health tourism. Both counties need support to modernize their economies while preserving their natural assets.
Why Forward
Forward believes that the fisherman in Port Mansfield and the farmer in Marlin both feed our state.
In Willacy County, the environment is the asset. Open Primaries would allow the community to elect leaders who focus on coastal protection and sustainable energy, rather than partisan gridlock. Ranked Choice Voting would help the diverse agricultural and coastal communities work together.
In Falls County, revitalization is the goal. Ranked Choice Voting empowers the community to support candidates who prioritize rural healthcare and economic incentives. It ensures that the potential of the "healing waters" isn't lost to history.
Did You Know…
Port Mansfield (Willacy) is known as one of the best fishing spots on the Texas coast, with direct access to the Laguna Madre.
Marlin (Falls) was once known as the "Mineral Water City of Texas," with bathhouses that treated thousands of patients.
Willacy County is a major corridor for migrating birds and butterflies.
The Falls on the Brazos Park offers camping and history near the river crossing that gave the county its name.
Raymondville (Willacy) hosts the Wild in Willacy festival, celebrating nature and outdoor sports.
Why Texans Love Living Here
Willacy residents love the bay breeze, the nilgai hunting, and the quiet pace of life. Falls locals love the rich soil, the history of the springs, and the potential for rebirth in their historic towns.
Key Events That Bring Neighbors Together
Wild in Willacy (Raymondville): A celebration of ranching and wildlife with cook-offs.
Marlin Festival Days (Falls): Bringing the community together on the square.
Port Mansfield Fishing Tournament: A major draw for anglers.
Falls County Youth Fair: Supporting the next generation of agriculture.
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:
