AUSTIN, TEXAS — Texas House Speaker Dustin Burrows has directed a legislative committee to study the possibility of annexing parts of neighboring New Mexico, following renewed interest in a proposal originating across state lines.
The review will examine whether “one or more contiguous counties of New Mexico” could legally and practically be incorporated into Texas. The idea gained traction after New Mexico state Rep. Randall Pettigrew introduced a constitutional amendment allowing certain counties to vote on secession.
Under that proposal, at least 15% of voters in eligible counties would need to sign a petition to place the measure on the 2026 ballot. If approved by two-thirds of voters and local officials, the plan would still require federal approval, including a presidential sign-off.
Burrows signaled openness to the concept, stating Texas would “gladly welcome” at least one county. The committee’s study will assess legal feasibility, economic impacts, and border considerations.
Despite the political interest, the proposal faces significant hurdles. Secession and annexation would require approval from both state governments and Congress, making any boundary changes unlikely in the near term.
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