The speaker of the Texas House of Representatives, Dustin Burrows, has directed a legislative committee to explore the possibility of annexing parts of New Mexico into Texas. The order, issued on 26 March, tasks the committee with examining the constitutional, statutory, fiscal, and economic implications of adding one or more contiguous counties from New Mexico.
The proposal has been met with strong opposition from New Mexico officials. Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham's office dismissed the idea as 'not a serious proposal', with communications director Michael Coleman stating that the state intends to remain fully intact. New Mexico House Speaker Javier Martínez also criticised the move, suggesting Burrows focus on addressing rising costs in Texas rather than pursuing annexation.
South-eastern New Mexico counties have long expressed dissatisfaction with the state's Democratic leadership in Santa Fe, citing cultural and political differences. In January, Lea County introduced a legislative amendment to allow voters to decide on secession, which Burrows publicly supported, claiming the county 'rightfully belongs' to Texas. However, the amendment has since been postponed indefinitely.
Burrows' order references historical ties, noting that Texas briefly controlled much of modern-day New Mexico after its independence from Mexico in the 1830s. The committee will study legal and economic options for annexation, though the proposal faces significant political hurdles and has been widely criticised as unserious by New Mexico leaders.
