New Mexico, the land of enchantment. The state famous for green chile, UFO enthusiasts, and apparently, for keeping counties that desperately want out. Meanwhile, across the border, Texas is looking at this whole situation and thinking: finally, someone who gets us. Welcome to the idea that Texas might just annex the New Mexico counties that feel more Texan than their own state does.
It all started as faint whispers, probably in some dimly lit bar in Carlsbad, New Mexico, where someone muttered, “What if we just… left?” But as whispers often do in America, they grew louder, because this is America, and if there’s a chance to argue about which state owns a patch of desert, politicians will jump on it faster than a West Texas tornado on a Friday afternoon.
Several counties along the Texas-New Mexico border, namely Lea and Roosevelt, have been very clear: they don’t want to deal with Albuquerque politics anymore. Oil and gas rules, tax policy, and general disdain for the southeast corner of the state have made their neighbors across the border look like the promised land. And let’s be honest, who wouldn’t want to join a state whose motto basically screams, “Everything is bigger, better, and more Texan”?
On the New Mexico side, Republican lawmakers have tried, and spectacularly failed, to give counties the legal tools to break free. The first attempt was back in 2021, courtesy of Sen. Cliff R. Pirtle, which died quietly in committee. Because nothing says “we value democracy” quite like shelving a resolution that would let your constituents vote on self-determination. Fast-forward to January 2026, and the secession idea was dusted off by Reps. Randall Pettigrew and Jimmy Mason. Their House Joint Resolution 10 was basically: counties, if you want out, here’s the legal path, just follow these five or six steps, pay your debts, get a two-thirds vote, and wait for Congress to sign off. Easy peasy.
But of course, New Mexico Democrats couldn’t resist the chance to play the role of the overprotective parent. The resolution was postponed indefinitely, a legislative euphemism for “don’t even think about it.” Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham and House Speaker Javier Martinez waved their hands and shook their heads, reminding everyone that Texas should worry about Texas problems and not be distracted by the moral imperative of welcoming willing counties with open arms.
Meanwhile, in Texas, the reception was, predictably, warmer. State House Speaker Dustin Burrows wasted no time. Unlike New Mexico lawmakers, he didn’t need to debate whether Texas should accept new neighbors; the question was obvious. Of course we want them! They’ve been ours in spirit (and, historically, in land claims) since the mid-1800s. And unlike New Mexico politicians, Burrows doesn’t shy away from the paperwork. He tasked a state House committee with analyzing every constitutional, statutory, fiscal, and economic implication of adding New Mexico counties to Texas, which basically translates to, “We’re serious, and yes, we will read all 500 pages of federal law if we have to.”
To be fair, the Texas committee isn’t wasting time. Rep. Cody Vasut, R-Angleton, chairing the oversight committee, is treating this like a mission-critical project, probably with a whiteboard and color-coded sticky notes. This is the same guy who handled Texas’ congressional redistricting, so if anyone knows how to turn legal labyrinths into political victories, it’s him. And while New Mexico leaders whine about affordability crises and distractions, Texas is busy thinking: property taxes? Check. Energy jobs? Check. Borders that make sense? Double-check.
Historically, it’s not like Texas is overstepping. Let’s rewind a bit. When Texas joined the Union in 1845, it was enormous, parts of present-day New Mexico, Colorado, Kansas, Oklahoma, and even a sliver of Wyoming were all on the Lone Star map. By 1850, Texas agreed to give up some of that territory in exchange for debt relief. That’s right, the land now called Lea and Roosevelt counties was once Texas territory. So from a historical perspective, you could argue that Texas isn’t taking land; it’s just politely asking for what was once ours back. And yes, history buffs, we all know history is written by the winners, but sometimes it’s fun to win twice.
Of course, New Mexico Democrats have tried to frame this as a distraction. Javier Martinez, ever the social media-savvy speaker, said Texas politicians should “stick to their own business.” But here’s the thing: Texas’ business has always been big, bold, and occasionally aggressive. If a few New Mexico counties want to join in, Texas isn’t about to say no. Texas doesn’t do small, and it sure doesn’t do timid. If New Mexico wants to sulk about it, that’s on them. Texas is already drafting the maps, calculating the budgets, and mentally preparing for a barbecue celebration to welcome their new residents.
You can almost imagine the conversations in New Mexico: “But what about taxes? What about regulation?” Meanwhile, in Texas: “We have low taxes, fewer regulations, and more cowboy hats per capita. What’s not to love?” And don’t forget the oil and gas industry, a sector southeast New Mexico counties are intimately familiar with, yet have been hamstrung by the rest of their state. Texas? Let’s just say Texas has a long-standing affection for oil, gas, and the occasional friendly nudge toward energy independence.
Let’s also acknowledge the optics. Texas, a state that prides itself on independence, entrepreneurship, and the occasional showy celebration of “everything bigger,” is now being portrayed as the benevolent older sibling ready to rescue disenfranchised New Mexico counties. And honestly, that’s a role Texas wears beautifully. If history teaches anything, it’s that Texans are rarely subtle, but they do get results. And while New Mexico drags its feet, Texas moves. Every. Single. Time.
So what’s next? Well, if annexation is going to happen, it will likely involve committees, votes, and maybe a few lawsuits. But let’s not kid ourselves, the enthusiasm is on Texas’ side. If you’re Lea County, Roosevelt County, or any other border county feeling stuck in political limbo, Texas is waving a friendly (and slightly mischievous) hand across the border, saying: come on over, the Lone Star lights are on, and we’ve got brisket waiting.
New Mexico’s Democratic leadership may continue to grumble, but one thing is clear: Texas has the patience, the strategy, and the sheer chutzpah to turn whispers of secession into a full-blown political reality. And when that happens, history will remember who showed up with a welcome mat and who spent their time waving “Do Not Enter” signs.
In the end, annexation isn’t just about geography. It’s about identity. It’s about values. It’s about a shared love of wide-open spaces, low taxes, and the comforting knowledge that, yes, sometimes bigger really is better. Texas isn’t asking. Texas isn’t apologizing. And if New Mexico doesn’t want to join in, that’s fine. Texas will be just fine welcoming those who do.
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