Full Breakdown
Southeastern New Mexico Considers Secession to Rejoin Texas
2/17/2026, 8:24:42 PM
Legislative Proposal for Secession
Texas House Speaker Dustin Burrows has publicly endorsed New Mexico House Joint Resolution 10, a bill that could pave the way for certain Republican counties in New Mexico to secede and rejoin Texas. Introduced by New Mexico state Representatives Randall Pettigrew and Jimmy Mason on January 29, 2026, the resolution aims to allow voters in three or more contiguous counties to initiate a secession vote. If at least 15% of voters in these counties sign a petition, a special election would be triggered, requiring a two-thirds majority for approval. Following this, the decision would need to be ratified by county commissioners, the U.S. Congress, and the President.
Burrows expressed his support on social media, stating, “Texas would gladly welcome Lea County back to Texas, where it rightfully belongs.” Lea County, located in the southeastern corner of New Mexico, has historical ties to Texas, having been part of the state until 1850 when it was ceded to the federal government. The proposed secession has garnered local support, with Roswell Mayor Dennis Kintigh citing a “massive cultural disconnect” between southeastern New Mexico and the state capital, Santa Fe.
Broader Context of Secession Movements
The push for secession in southeastern New Mexico is part of a broader trend observed in various regions across the United States. Similar movements have emerged in Eastern Oregon, where rural counties are seeking to join Idaho, and in Southern Illinois, where counties are expressing interest in joining Indiana. These efforts often stem from perceived political and cultural disparities between rural areas and urban centers, which are typically dominated by Democratic majorities.
Official Statements & Responses
Supporters of the secession movement argue that local control over resources, particularly oil and gas, is a primary motivation. Representative Pettigrew remarked, “People up here want all the money... It’s time to take the control away from them.” Critics, however, have raised concerns about the feasibility and implications of such a move, questioning the potential economic and political ramifications for both New Mexico and Texas.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
While the resolution has gained traction, it is not without opposition. A similar bill, Senate Joint Resolution 15, introduced by former state Senator Cliff Pirtle in 2021, failed to advance in committee. The future of HJR 10 remains uncertain, as it must navigate legislative hurdles and public sentiment.
What's Next
As the legislative process unfolds, the outcome of HJR 10 will likely be influenced by upcoming elections, including the Texas primaries scheduled for March 3, 2026. The political landscape in both Texas and New Mexico may shift significantly, impacting the viability of secession efforts in the region.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Texas would gladly welcome Lea County back to Texas, where it rightfully belongs,” — Dustin Burrows, Texas House Speaker
- “There’s no unity. There’s no respect for southeastern New Mexico.” — Dennis Kintigh, Mayor of Roswell
- “They just want to spend it the way they want and they want to control oil and gas at the same time. It’s time to take the control away from them.” — Randall Pettigrew, New Mexico State Representative
