Texas Lawmakers Explore Annexing Eastern New Mexico Counties

State representatives study plan to expand Texas border for the first time since the 1800s.

Apr. 13, 2026 at 11:19pm

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A serene, cinematic painting of a lone oil pump in a rural landscape, with warm light and deep shadows creating a contemplative, nostalgic mood that reflects the political and economic tensions at the heart of the proposed border expansion.As Texas lawmakers explore annexing eastern New Mexico counties, a solitary oil pump stands as a symbol of the region's energy resources and the political battles over their control.Lubbock Today

Texas lawmakers are considering expanding the state's border for the first time since the Compromise of 1850 by annexing Lea, Roosevelt, and Eddy counties in eastern New Mexico. The Texas Governmental Oversight Committee is exploring the proposal, which was initiated by New Mexico state representatives who want to remove their counties from the state due to frustrations with the Santa Fe government's policies, particularly around the oil industry.

Why it matters

This potential border expansion would mark the first major change to Texas' borders since the 1800s and could have significant political, economic, and regulatory implications for the affected counties and their residents.

The details

The proposal was directed by Texas House Speaker and Lubbock State Representative Dustin Burrows, who said the conversation is about 'culture, shared values and opportunity.' Lubbock State Representative Carl Tepper, who is on the Governmental Oversight Committee, said the eastern New Mexico counties align more with Texas politics than those of Santa Fe. Some Lea County residents support the idea, citing frustrations with New Mexico's governor and regulations on the oil industry, while others oppose it, concerned about losing revenue from businesses like dispensaries and casinos that are legal in New Mexico but not Texas.

  • The Texas Governmental Oversight Committee is currently exploring the proposal.
  • The plan would need approval in Texas, New Mexico, and Congress before becoming reality, which Tepper said could take years.

The players

Dustin Burrows

Texas House Speaker and Lubbock State Representative who directed his colleagues to study the proposal to annex eastern New Mexico counties.

Carl Tepper

Lubbock State Representative who is on the Texas Governmental Oversight Committee exploring the annexation proposal.

Lea County residents

Some support the idea, citing frustrations with New Mexico's governor and regulations on the oil industry, while others oppose it, concerned about losing revenue from businesses like dispensaries and casinos.

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What they’re saying

“We didn't initiate this, state representatives from New Mexico initiated bills to remove themselves - not to become their own state - but to become part of West Texas.”

— Carl Tepper, Lubbock State Representative

“They've expressed frustration with Santa Fe, frustration with overregulation, they are trying to be oil producers and other businesses in New Mexico and it seems like Santa Fe is in their way every step of the way. I think we'd be a much better fit for those counties.”

— Carl Tepper, Lubbock State Representative

“It seems like the governor here wants to get rid of the oil fields and make it harder on oil field workers whereas Texas is opening it up more.”

— Lea County resident

“I think it's a bunch of crap. All Texas wants is our oil field money.”

— Lea County resident

What’s next

The Texas Governmental Oversight Committee will continue studying the proposal, including addressing regulatory issues, before determining whether to move forward with the annexation plan. If approved in Texas and New Mexico, the plan would also require Congressional approval, which Tepper said could take years.

The takeaway

This potential border expansion highlights the political and economic tensions between Texas and New Mexico, particularly around the oil industry, and could have far-reaching implications if it comes to fruition. The proposal will face significant hurdles, but its exploration underscores the ongoing competition between states for resources and influence.