Two-state solution to Newsom move would divide California coast from inland
California Republican Assemblyman James Gallagher is set to introduce a groundbreaking bill that would divide the state into two separate entities. This move comes in response to Governor Gavin Newsom’s recent redistricting efforts, which have sparked controversy among Republicans.
Gallagher’s proposal, known as AJR-23, would establish a new state encompassing California’s liberal coastal regions, while creating another state consisting of the conservative inland counties. The assemblyman refers to this initiative as a “two-state solution,” drawing parallels to geopolitical conflicts in the Middle East.
The motivation behind Gallagher’s resolution is to counteract Sacramento’s push for permanent congressional map redrawing, which he believes would stifle the voices of rural communities and perpetuate political bias indefinitely. By delineating the state along a north-south axis slightly west of Interstate 5, the proposed coastal state would retain left-leaning strongholds such as San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Silicon Valley.
On the other hand, the inland state would comprise predominantly conservative areas like Kern County and San Bernardino County. This partition would result in a coastal state with a population of 29.5 million and an inland state housing 10 million residents, making the former one of the largest states by population in the country.
Gallagher has criticized Newsom’s redistricting maneuvers as a power grab that undermines the principles of democracy. He contends that the governor’s actions subvert the independent commission established by Californians to ensure fair representation. State Senator Roger Niello has echoed these sentiments, highlighting the Democrats’ sudden shift in attitude towards redistricting.
As Gallagher prepares to unveil his plan in a press conference, the debate over California’s political landscape intensifies. The potential division of the state raises questions about representation, governance, and the future trajectory of Californian politics. Stay tuned for updates on this developing story.
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