Williamson County vs. Stonewall County
Growth & Grit
This pairing captures two sides of Texas that define both its challenges and its promise. Williamson County, just north of Austin, is one of the fastest-growing counties in the country: a magnet for families, tech workers, and small businesses. Stonewall County, deep in the rolling plains of West Texas, is home to fewer than 1,400 residents who carry forward generations of ranching and quiet perseverance. One wrestles with growth and infrastructure; the other with preservation and population decline. Together, they illustrate the balance Forward believes in: progress built on community, not division.
Williamson County (Approx. 670,000)
Williamson County, known locally as “WilCo,” is part of the booming Austin metro region. Cities like Round Rock, Georgetown, Hutto, and Cedar Park drive economic and population growth, while challenges include traffic, housing costs, and water management.
Stonewall County (Approx. 1,400)
Stonewall County’s seat, Aspermont, anchors a small but tight-knit community where ranching, hunting, and local schools sustain daily life. Challenges include aging infrastructure, limited healthcare, and maintaining opportunity for young families.
Why It Matters
Williamson County debates center on managing growth: ensuring housing and infrastructure keep up with population increases and rapid growth when new businesses move in and re-shape the local culture. Stonewall debates center on sustaining rural schools, hospitals, and livelihoods. Both reveal a simple truth: whether booming or fading, every county needs leaders who listen and act locally.
Why Forward
Forward believes Texans should have the freedom to shape their communities, no matter their zip code.
In Williamson County, Ranked Choice Voting and open primaries would reward candidates who focus on pragmatic solutions to congestion, housing affordability, and growth management instead of partisan soundbites. Fair maps would preserve representation for fast-growing neighborhoods and suburban voters.
In Stonewall County, those same reforms would make it easier for rural Texans to have a seat at the table in Austin. Ranked Choice Voting would help small communities elect consensus leaders in low-turnout elections, while open primaries would allow independent and moderate candidates to compete.
Forward’s goal is simple: a government that listens to people, not parties. From Round Rock to Aspermont, progress starts when Texans lead together.
Did You Know…
Williamson County’s city of Georgetown was named the “Fastest-Growing City in America” in 2023.
Tiny Taylor (population <20k) in Williamson, is awaiting the completion of a major Samsung advanced semiconductor chip plant that is under construction (operational in 2026). As the city has grown, residents have felt a shift and seen cultural and political conflict as new faces and decision makers move in.
Stonewall County is home to Caprock Canyons Trailway, a scenic stretch of West Texas cliffs and wildlife.
President Lyndon B. Johnson was born in Stonewall, Texas — just up the road from where Hill Country meets the plains.
Why Texans Love Living Here
Williamson County residents love the balance between small-town charm and big-city opportunity: parks, schools, and a vibrant sense of community. Stonewall County residents love wide-open land, quiet mornings, and deep-rooted friendships that stretch across generations. Both show that Texas pride isn’t about size — it’s about strength, character, and connection.
“Williamson County represents the best of Texas living. We enjoy safe neighborhoods, top-tier schools and colleges, and a thriving economy. With miles of trails, beautiful parks, and vibrant community events, this is a place where natural beauty and modern convenience go hand-in-hand." - Vicky Weller, Williamson County Chair, Texas Forward Party
Key Events That Bring Neighbors Together
Georgetown Red Poppy Festival — a three-day celebration of music, art, and local flavor that draws visitors from across Central Texas.
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:
