Texas Eyes Annexing New Mexico Counties for Oil Interests

Discussions resurface about El Paso potentially joining New Mexico amid Texas's push to control oil-rich areas across the border.

Mar. 31, 2026 at 4:37pm

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A serene, cinematic painting of a solitary oil pump jack standing tall against a vibrant sunset sky, its form cast in deep shadows and warm, diagonal light, conveying a sense of quiet contemplation over the economic forces shaping the region.The potential annexation of oil-rich New Mexico counties by Texas exposes the economic tensions simmering along state borders.El Paso Today

Talks have resurfaced about the possibility of El Paso, Texas leaving the state and joining New Mexico, driven by Texas's interest in annexing oil-rich counties in southeastern New Mexico. The Texas House Speaker cited the desire to give the Permian and Delaware basins a 'real voice' rather than being 'dictated by Santa Fe.' However, the odds of this plan actually happening are extremely low, requiring approval from local voters, the New Mexico and Texas legislatures, and the U.S. Congress.

Why it matters

The potential annexation of New Mexico counties by Texas is driven by economic interests in the lucrative oil and gas resources in the Permian and Delaware basins. This could have significant implications for local representation, regulations, and policies, including the legalization of cannabis, which is a major concern for the city of El Paso.

The details

Texas House Speaker Dustin Burrows stated that 'Southeast New Mexico deserves a real voice in its own future, not one dictated by Santa Fe.' The counties in question are Lea, Roosevelt, and potentially Otero. Some in Otero County have expressed support for the idea, citing concerns over taxes, regulations, and policy differences with the state capital. However, the process to make this happen faces numerous hurdles, including the requirement of at least 15% of local voters signing a petition, approval from the New Mexico and Texas legislatures, and ultimately, the U.S. Congress.

  • The idea of El Paso joining New Mexico has been discussed for years.
  • The latest push for Texas to annex New Mexico counties emerged in March 2026.

The players

Dustin Burrows

The Texas House Speaker who cited the desire to give the Permian and Delaware basins a 'real voice' rather than being 'dictated by Santa Fe.'

Lea County

One of the New Mexico counties that Texas is interested in annexing due to its oil and gas resources.

Roosevelt County

Another New Mexico county that Texas is interested in annexing due to its oil and gas resources.

Otero County

A New Mexico county where some residents have expressed support for the idea of being annexed by Texas.

El Paso

The Texas city that has been the subject of discussions about potentially joining New Mexico, which could be affected by the annexation of nearby counties.

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What they’re saying

“Southeast New Mexico deserves a real voice in its own future, not one dictated by Santa Fe. 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.”

— Dustin Burrows, Texas House Speaker

What’s next

The process to annex New Mexico counties by Texas faces significant hurdles, including the requirement of at least 15% of local voters signing a petition, approval from the New Mexico and Texas legislatures, and ultimately, the U.S. Congress. Given the low odds of this plan succeeding, it is unlikely to move forward in the near future.

The takeaway

The potential annexation of New Mexico counties by Texas is driven by economic interests in the lucrative oil and gas resources in the region, but the process faces numerous legal and political obstacles that make it highly unlikely to happen. The proposal has raised concerns about local representation, regulations, and policies, particularly regarding the legalization of cannabis, which is a major issue for the city of El Paso.