Will Texas really absorb counties from New Mexico?

AUSTIN, Texas - Last week, Texas House Speaker Dustin Burrows released committee priorities in preparation for the 2027 legislature. 

Among the typical items up for study was one notably stranger, leaving many wondering: Will Texas really absorb counties that secede from New Mexico?

Texas studies NM county secession

The list of priorities introduced the idea of possibly absorbing "one or more contiguous counties" from New Mexico, quickly adopted online as "New MeX-it." The new Governmental Oversight committee, created by Burrows, was tasked with studying the Texas-New Mexico border, and checking the implications of allowing land from the neighboring state to band together, secede, and join Texas. 

This issue was first breached when Burrows welcomed the idea of Lea County coming "back to Texas, where it rightfully belongs," in a post to X, formerly Twitter, in February. The issue was sparked by a legislator from that county introducing a secession amendment, which has since died without getting a hearing.

New Mexico claps back

FOX Local reached out to the office of NM Gov. Michelle Grisham after the list was released, asking specifically if Burrows or other members of the Texas legislature had reached out beforehand to discuss, or if their state was involved at all in the possible reshaping of geography. 

What they're saying:

"We have every intention of keeping the great state of New Mexico fully intact, but Texas can study it all they want," said Michael Coleman, the director of communications for the governor's office. "While they’re at it, they could also study how New Mexico has reduced methane emissions in the Permian Basin by half compared to their state. If Texas followed our lead, it would be a win-win for Texans and the planet."

Coleman included a link to a press release from the governor's office, outlining methane emission reductions implemented in September 2025 that reportedly would generate over $150 million for their state. 

Texas encourages secession

FOX Local asked Burrows' office why Texas might want to absorb land from the neighboring state. He released the following statement:

What they're saying:

"Southeast New Mexico deserves a real voice in its own future, not one dictated by Santa Fe. It’s a conservative, energy-rich region with a fierce independent streak, and West Texas has shown what’s possible when you respect oil and gas, protect property rights, and trust local communities. This conversation is ultimately about culture, opportunity, and the right to choose a path that reflects the shared values of the Permian and Delaware basins. I look forward to this discussion in the new House select committee."

FOX Local also reached out to Gov. Greg Abbott's office to ask if he had been in communication with Burrows about the matter before it was announced. A spokesperson declined to answer, and referred back to the Speaker. 

Can Texas take New Mexico land?

What we know:

The Texas study is looking into the possibility of absorbing land into the state if the counties secede and look to join Texas. This is contingent on whether a New Mexico law is approved allowing secession in the first place, and then if Lea County and/or neighboring counties follow through with leaving the state. 

The article that Burrows gave a nod to on X before ordering the study said itself that the secession amendment was unlikely to be heard, and critics in the state called the concept "ridiculous." That resolution died in the NM House, meaning a new one with similar intent would need to be introduced and passed before Texas could act.

What we don't know:

At the time of publishing, a new secession bill had not been considered in New Mexico. Until one is, or until the start of the 90th regular session in 2027, Texas will study whether accepting any available land would benefit the state.