In a bold step toward shaping its own destiny, the small patch of land in southern Texas where SpaceX launches its rockets has officially become a city. Residents of the newly christened Starbase, Texas, voted overwhelmingly to incorporate, with 212 of 283 eligible voters—mostly SpaceX employees—approving the measure on Saturday. Only six opposed it, according to county election results. This move marks a significant milestone for Elon Musk’s vision of a future driven by innovation, free enterprise, and limited government interference.

With heartfelt pride and boundless enthusiasm, we celebrate the remarkable milestone of Starbase, Texas, now officially recognized as a vibrant city.

May this new chapter foster a thriving community united by kindness, innovation, and mutual respect, inspiring all with its… pic.twitter.com/YZnoganlKK

— David Soiza (@SoizaDavid) May 4, 2025

“Starbase, Texas is now a real city!” Musk declared on X, celebrating the community’s decision to take control of its future. The new city, spanning roughly 1.6 square miles along the Boca Chica coast, will be governed by a mayor and two city commissioners. Bobby Peden, a SpaceX vice president, ran unopposed and will serve as the first mayor, joined by two council members, also SpaceX employees, who faced no challengers. This streamlined leadership reflects a pragmatic, business-minded approach to governance, prioritizing efficiency and alignment with the region’s economic engine: SpaceX.

RELATED: Early Election Returns Are in on Whether Elon Musk's Starbase Becomes Its Own City in Texas

The creation of Starbase is a testament to the power of private enterprise to transform communities. Since 2012, SpaceX has been acquiring land in this sparsely populated area, building a hub for cutting-edge aerospace development. In 2024, the company accelerated its investment, constructing housing and infrastructure to support its workforce. While some critics have drawn comparisons to the company towns of the 1940s and 1950s, such analogies miss the mark. Unlike the exploitative models of the past, Starbase represents a voluntary partnership between a forward-thinking company and its employees, united by a shared mission to advance human exploration of space.

Just in.

Starbase is now officially a city, Texas' newest city.

The vote to incorporate the area around SpaceX’s rocket launch site in Cameron County, near Boca Chica, resulted in a 97.7% approval rate

Starbase spans about 1.5 square miles, and will primarily house SpaceX… pic.twitter.com/jJcFSqyD7q

— Massimo (@Rainmaker1973) May 4, 2025

The decision to incorporate as a city empowers Starbase to set its own tax policies and urban planning priorities, free from the bureaucratic red tape that often stifles innovation. This aligns with conservative principles of local control and minimal government overreach. The Texas Legislature is even considering a bill to grant Starbase authority to manage local highways during SpaceX launches and regulate access to nearby Boca Chica State Park, further reinforcing the community’s ability to balance economic growth with public safety.

However, not everyone is thrilled. A small group of nearby residents—about 500 people live in the surrounding area—has voiced concerns about noise, light pollution, and debris from rocket launches. These are valid issues, but they must be weighed against the broader benefits of SpaceX’s presence. The company’s operations have brought jobs, investment, and global attention to a once-overlooked corner of Texas. Moreover, SpaceX’s commitment to environmental stewardship, including rigorous compliance with federal regulations, ensures that growth doesn’t come at the expense of the region’s natural beauty.

Elon Musk’s Starbase: a new Texas city inside an Opportunity Zone

✅He holds billions in stock.
✅Now he controls the zoning.
✅Owns the land.
💰now every future dollar invested can help defer—and erase—capital gains

Starbase isn’t just a rocket hub…It’s a tax strategy. pic.twitter.com/KZZoWwongi

— Barrett Linburg (@DallasAptGP) May 4, 2025

Starbase’s rise also underscores Texas’s growing appeal as a haven for businesses fleeing progressive strongholds. In July 2024, Musk relocated SpaceX’s headquarters from California to Starbase, citing frustration with the Golden State’s stifling regulations and social policies. He made a similar move with X, shifting its base from San Francisco to Austin. These decisions reflect a broader trend of companies and innovators seeking refuge in states that prioritize economic freedom and common-sense governance.

As Starbase takes its first steps as a city, it stands as a beacon of what’s possible when vision, hard work, and limited government converge. This is not just a win for SpaceX or its employees—it’s a model for how communities across America can embrace innovation, create opportunity, and chart their own course in an ever-changing world.

Editor’s Note: Elon Musk and DOGE are bringing much-needed accountability to our out-of-control bureaucracy as they take a chainsaw to rampant waste, fraud, and abuse.

Help us continue to report on DOGE's accomplishments and expose Big Government corruption. Join RedState VIP and use promo code FIGHT to get 60% off your membership.