Resilience and Tradition: The Political Heartbeat of West Texas

Elections & Politics Policy Brief #135 | By: Morgan Davidson| August 05, 2024
Featured Photo: www.reddit.com/r/texas
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From the Cadillacs of Amarillo to the deserts of the Permian Basin, West Texas is known for its oil, agriculture, and conservatism. The people here are gritty, hardworking, gun-loving, God-fearing, and Friday night fanatics, embodying an underdog spirit born from their characterization and the implicit acknowledgment of being overlooked at both state and federal levels. Who are the people of West Texas?

Analysis

According to Census data, West Texas, home to 2,063,830 people (about 7% of the state’s population), is divided by the Texas Comptroller into three sub-regions: West Texas, the High Plains, and Northwest Texas. Each sub-region has unique demographics, economic traits, and cultural identities, shaping the political landscape and voting behavior of West Texas.

West Texas, my home area, has a median age of 33.1 years, a college education rate of 14.5%, and an average household income of $59,700. It is a majority-minority region, with 53.1% Hispanic or Latino, 39.3% White, 4.2% Black, 1.4% two or more races, and 0.9% Asian, including the metropolitan areas of Midland, Odessa, and San Angelo.

The High Plains (Panhandle) has a median age of 33.6 years, 16.3% with a college degree, and an average household income of $56,413. Its population is 50.2% White, 40.1% Hispanic or Latino, 5.7% Black, 2% two or more races, and 2% Asian, encompassing Lubbock and Amarillo.

Northwest Texas has a median age of 37.4 years, a college education rate of 15.1%, and an average household income of $54,037. Its population is 65.5% White, 24% Hispanic or Latino, 6.4% Black, 2.7% two or more races, and 1.4% Asian, including Abilene and Wichita Falls.

Statewide, Texas has a median age of 35 years, a college education rate of 33.9%, and an average household income of $72,284. The population is 39.8% White, 40.2% Hispanic or Latino, 12.5% Black, 5.5% Asian, and 2.1% two or more races. The region’s lower educational attainment and household incomes contrast with statewide averages and highlight the challenges and opportunities facing West Texas.

In the 2020 election, the 20 counties comprising the seven metro areas in West Texas accounted for 371,307 votes for Donald Trump, representing 58.82% of the difference between Biden and Trump in the state. This figure only includes metro counties, not the surrounding deep-red rural counties, where the lowest vote share for Trump was 68.9%. Despite making up only 7% of the state’s population, voters in West Texas significantly prevent the state from being more competitive electorally.

In Texas, discussing politics inevitably involves the border. In West Texas, key concerns include stopping illegal immigration, combating fentanyl, and preventing the spread of cartels and crime. Lubbock, as the region’s hub city, often reports high violent crime rates compared to the state and nation. Republicans have a strong advantage on border issues, with West Texas voters viewing Democrats as too radical on the issue.

Economic concerns in West Texas primarily center around the region’s dependence on oil and agriculture. Many view policies like the Green New Deal as threats to their way of life. Although not everyone is directly involved in these industries, growing up in West Texas fosters a conservative bond that is deeply-rooted.

Religion strongly reinforces conservative beliefs in West Texas. It’s common to see multiple churches in small towns with populations of just a few thousand. Voters in the region hold firm to American principles such as limited government, the right to bear arms, and lower taxes, viewing these as core to their ideology. The region’s norms contribute to its consistently conservative stance.

Do Democrats have an inroad? If they did Texas has the lowest percentage of insured individuals, and with rising medical costs, Democrats could appeal to those in an area with below-state-average incomes. Water scarcity and drilling limitations are growing issues in West Texas. If Republicans continue to ignore climate concerns, Democrats might gain ground if persistent droughts exacerbate the water crisis.

The best chance for Democrats is to engage directly with voters. Beto O’Rourke’s 254-county tour energized the Democratic base by showing up. In a state where leaders often seem detached, Democrats can make a difference by addressing local grievances and making residents feel seen. Campaigning in the areas could counteract negative caricatures in conservative media and boost support.

West Texas’s blend of resilience, traditional values, and reliance on oil and agriculture shapes its strong conservative stance. Democrats could find opportunities by addressing local issues like healthcare, water scarcity, and engaging directly with voters with genuine concern. While Republicans must continue to align with the region’s values and show up to maintain their stronghold.



Engagement Resources
  • The “Texas Take” podcast offers in-depth analysis and discussion of Texas politics and policy, featuring insights from experienced journalists on the state’s latest political developments and key issues. https://open.spotify.com/show/7nrIy8PBrkRmySACgW1mzS
  • The Texas Tribune is a nonprofit news organization providing in-depth, nonpartisan coverage of Texas politics, policy, and statewide issues, aiming to inform and engage the public through investigative reporting and data-driven journalism. https://www.texastribune.org/
  • The Texas Public Policy Foundation is a conservative think tank that advocates for limited government, free markets, and individual liberty. They conduct research and analysis on various policy issues affecting Texas, including energy, education, and healthcare. https://www.texaspolicy.com/
  • The Texas Freedom Network is a progressive organization that advocates for religious freedom, civil liberties, and public education. They work to counter the influence of far-right policies in Texas politics and promote progressive values. https://tfn.org/


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