counties across texas
A Forward Texas Spotlight Series
The Counties Across Texas spotlight series from the Texas Forward Party takes us through the largest counties in Texas to the smallest: a journey that reminds us just how big, bold, and beautifully diverse this state truly is. From city skylines to ranch roads, from classrooms to cattle pens, every county has a story worth telling.
Watch for new posts daily!
Austin County vs. Runnels County
This match-up contrasts the "Colonial Capital of Texas" and the stone-built heritage of West Texas. One is the cradle of Anglo settlement; the other is a monument to frontier permanence.
Hale County vs. Ochiltree County
This match-up takes us to Hale County and Ochiltree County, both deep in the Panhandle. One is defined by university life and sausage legends (Jimmy Dean); the other by golden grain and energy.
Grimes County vs. Parmer County
This match-up pairs a cultural crossroads near Houston with an agricultural titan on the High Plains. One is defined by music and medieval fairs; the other by cattle and corn.
Jasper County vs. Duval County
This match-up contrasts the deep pine forests of East Texas with the legendary brush country of the South. One is defined by tall trees and reservoirs; the other by mesquite, oil, and political lore.
Matagorda County vs. Marion County
This match-up pairs the salt air of the Gulf with the misty bayous of East Texas. One looks out to the ocean; the other looks into the cypress swamp.
Washington County vs. Brewster County
This match-up contrasts the cradle of the republic with the wildest frontier. One is lush, green, and historic; the other is vast, arid, and majestic.
Fannin County vs. Stephens County
This match-up pairs a historic county on the Red River with an energy hub in the West Central hills. One is defined by political legacy and water; the other by black gold and resilience.
Hill County vs. Zavala County
The week concludes with a contrast between a music legend’s hometown and the spinach center of the world. One is defined by music and Kolaches; the other by vegetables and political history.
Hopkins County vs. Mitchell County
This match-up pairs the Dairy Capital of Texas with a historic West Texas railroad town. One is lush and grassy; the other is rugged and red.
Jim Wells County vs. Archer County
This match-up contrasts the birthplace of Tejano music with the inspiration for The Last Picture Show. One is defined by accordion rhythms and Alice; the other by the stark prose of Larry McMurtry.
Brown County vs. Jack County
This match-up pairs a regional commercial hub with a historic frontier outpost. One is defined by education and industry; the other by cavalry history and limestone.
Wharton County vs. Hamilton County
This match-up compares the coastal plains west of Houston with the northern tip of the Hill Country. One is defined by flat fields and irrigation canals; the other by limestone creeks and wing shooting.
Upshur County vs. Dimmit County
This match-up brings together the lush forests of East Texas and the arid brush of the Winter Garden region. One is defined by autumn festivals and pines; the other by irrigation and mesquite.
Cooke County vs. Coleman County
This match-up compares the Red River valley north of Dallas with the premier hunting grounds of West Central Texas. One is defined by trade and tourism; the other by wildlife and water.
Erath County vs. San Augustine County
This match-up contrasts between the "Cowboy Capital of the World" and the "Cradle of Texas." One is defined by boots and milk; the other by red dirt and revolution.
Val Verde County vs. Yoakum County
This match-up contrasts the border waters of Del Rio with the high plains energy fields. One looks to the Rio Grande; the other looks to the Permian Basin.
Wood County vs. McCulloch County
This match-up pairs the Piney Woods fishing destination with the geographical center of the state. One is defined by water and woods; the other by its central location and ranching heritage.
Caldwell County vs. Winkler County
This match-up brings together the culinary capital of Central Texas and the energy heart of the West. One draws tourists with smoked brisket; the other fuels the nation with crude.

