Republican lawmakers in California have introduced a proposal to allow 35 inland counties to secede from the state and form a new one. Assembly Minority Leader James Gallagher (R-Yuba City) unveiled the plan, named “The Two State Solution,” citing political and economic divisions between coastal and inland areas. The proposal was presented as Assembly Joint Resolution 23 and would require approval from both the California Legislature and the U.S. Congress under Article IV of the Constitution.
Gallagher emphasized that California’s inland residents feel neglected by a state government dominated by Democrats, who hold supermajorities in both chambers. He argued that residents in regions like the North State, Central Valley, and Inland Empire face rising costs and diminishing representation. The goal, Gallagher said, is to give a voice to communities “forgotten” by Sacramento and create a government that’s more responsive to their needs.
The proposed state would encompass about 10 million people across counties including Siskiyou, Modoc, Riverside, San Bernardino, and Imperial, while coastal counties like Los Angeles and San Francisco would remain in the current California. Gallagher said the inland regions suffer from burdensome regulations, such as trucking rules, rising utility bills, and environmental policies that hurt ranchers.
The announcement also comes amid concerns from Republicans about Proposition 50, a Democratic-backed redistricting initiative on the upcoming ballot. Gallagher warned that the measure would dilute inland representation by shifting congressional boundaries to benefit Democrats, a move he says further justifies secession.
Gallagher’s resolution cites historical precedent, noting that a similar proposal passed in 1859 but stalled during the Civil War. He acknowledged the map is not final and that some areas, like Orange County, could be reconsidered based on community input.
No response has yet been issued by Governor Gavin Newsom or Democratic leaders. Still, Gallagher insists the effort is about giving inland Californians a stronger political voice and relief from policies they believe are out of touch with their realities.
