Fort Bend County is a unique and diverse area in Texas, with a population that is growing rapidly. It is often considered an undecided county, and election results tend to lean more toward Democrats than state ones, which continue to favor Republicans. The county has a long history of Democratic control, but in recent times, Republicans have won several county-level offices and courts. The Fort Bend County government is managed by the Commissioners Court, which is responsible for providing the necessary resources to offices and departments to fulfill their functions and objectives, establishing budgets, policies, and procedures to make the most efficient use of resources, and actively seeking quality companies to locate in Fort Bend County.
The Commissioners Court also plays an important role in making Fort Bend County the most family-friendly community in Texas by providing a high-quality, nurturing, and safe environment. The county is also home to numerous service sector jobs in the health, energy, education, hospitality, and other areas sectors. It has the highest percentage of South Asian Americans in the United States; the largest groups are of Vietnamese, Chinese, Indian, and Filipino descent. Fort Bend and other coastal counties are starting to produce more than 90 percent of the world's sulfur supply. In addition to the Commissioners Court, there are several elected officials in Fort Bend County who are responsible for providing fast and friendly service to its customers.
These include the County Clerk Laura Richard, District Clerk, District Courts, Animal Services Auditor, Bail Board, Behavioral Health Services Budget. Fort Bend County has a long history that dates back to 1838 when it elected its first Chief Justice and county commissioners. The county was also home to Senate candidate Stephen F. Beto O' Rourke who lived in Long Plantation until his death in 1880. In December 2001 construction began on the Sugar Land Municipal Plaza in honor of O' Rourke. Today Fort Bend County is an important service area for the Houston Chronicle which provides independent local coverage for the Sugar Land and Katy areas.
It is also becoming increasingly competitive due to an increase in the population of minority members and to more socially moderate suburban voters who often oppose Republicans on fiscal and economic issues.
