Amid ongoing redistricting battles, California State Assembly’s top Republican, James Gallagher, has proposed a bold plan to split the state into two distinct entities. This “two-state solution” aims to address concerns over Governor Gavin Newsom’s redistricting efforts, which are set to be decided by voters in November.
Gallagher’s proposal suggests creating a new state comprising California’s inland counties, which are predominantly conservative, while the coastal counties, known for their liberal leanings, would form another state. The proposal, outlined in Assembly Joint Resolution 23, calls for the state legislature’s consent and Congress’s approval, as required by the U.S. Constitution. However, the resolution is nonbinding and would not immediately result in a split.
According to ABC7, Gallagher argues that the current redistricting map silences rural voices and rigs the political system. He stated, “The people of inland California have been overlooked for too long. It’s time for a two-state solution.”
The proposed inland state would include over 10 million residents, making it one of the top 10 most populous states in the U.S. The coastal state would retain major urban areas like San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Silicon Valley, while the inland state would encompass regions like the Central Valley and the Inland Empire.
Despite the ambitious nature of the proposal, political experts and opponents, including Democratic consultant Andrew Acosta, have labeled it a “stunt” unlikely to succeed due to the Democratic supermajority in the state legislature. The SF Standard reported that Brandon Richards, a spokesperson for Governor Newsom, dismissed the resolution, stating that those seeking to split California do not deserve to hold office.
Gallagher is expected to further discuss his plan at a press conference in Sacramento on Wednesday.
Recent Comments