California GOP leader proposes state split over redistricting issues

In California, a prominent Republican leader, Assembly Minority Leader James Gallagher, announced plans to introduce a resolution to split the state into two. This proposal came as a direct response to the Democratic-led redistricting efforts supported by Governor Gavin Newsom, which Gallagher criticized as undermining representation for rural constituents. Gallagher's resolution, dubbed AJR-23, could create a new state that would encompass the 35 predominantly conservative inland counties. The inland state would have an estimated population of over 10 million people, while the remaining 17 coastal counties would create a state populated by approximately 29.5 million. Gallagher expressed concern that the current redistricting plans are intended to diminish political influence for Republicans and silencing their voices. He likened the necessity for this split to a 'two-state solution', a term he applied to indicate the urgency of the situation. While Gallagher's resolution represents a significant shift in the political landscape, its chances of success are slim. The resolution requires approval from both chambers of the California legislature, where Democrats currently hold a supermajority. Furthermore, if it were to pass, it would need to be forwarded to Congress, which would ultimately decide on the matter. This is not the first time discussions around splitting California have arisen; historically, there have been at least 220 attempts to break up the state, though none have succeeded since West Virginia's separation from Virginia during the Civil War. Gallagher's grievances reflect a broader discontent among conservative rural Californians who feel marginalized by the political elites in Sacramento and prompted significant discussions about representation in state politics, especially as Americans witness ongoing partisan divisions.