News Summary
Republican Assembly Leader James Gallagher is pushing a new proposal to split California into two states, including Orange County in the proposed inland state. This initiative responds to concerns about gerrymandering and aims to address representation issues. Support from several Republican assembly members bolsters Gallagher’s efforts, but passage requires approval from both the state legislature and Congress. This move highlights ongoing political tensions in California as voters gear up for decisions on congressional district maps in the upcoming elections.
Los Angeles, CA – Republican Assembly Leader James Gallagher is spearheading an initiative to split California into two separate states, with a recent proposal to include Orange County in his new inland state. This shift comes in light of ongoing discussions around district mapping and representation, particularly against the backdrop of legislative Democrats’ actions regarding mid-cycle congressional redistricting.
Gallagher’s revised proposal emerged just two weeks after the initial plan, which aimed to segregate coastal counties—excluding Del Norte—into one state, while the remaining counties would comprise another state. The addition of Orange County in this latest proposal signals Gallagher’s concerns about potential gerrymandering resulting from new proposed congressional maps.
In the upcoming November elections, voters will be tasked with deciding on the enactment of partisan congressional maps designed to mitigate gerrymandering in Republican-led states such as Texas and Missouri. Gallagher’s fears hinged on the premise that if gerrymandering were to take place under Proposition 50, Orange County residents could face diminished representation relative to neighboring Los Angeles.
Under the proposed changes, the number of congressional districts that partially encompass Orange County would rise from six to eight. Notable modifications to the district map suggest merging Huntington Beach and parts of Newport Beach into a congressional district that also includes Long Beach. Currently, Huntington Beach and Newport Beach share a district with Laguna Beach and Seal Beach.
Registered voters in Orange County, as of February, reflect a balanced political landscape, with Democrats accounting for 36.4% of voters, Republicans at 34.3%, and those identifying as no party preference at 23%. This demographic mix has raised discussions surrounding adequate representation that aligns with the community’s diverse interests.
Gallagher has garnered support from several Republican assembly members, including Leticia Castillo, Tom Lackey, and Kate Sanchez, for his joint resolution advocating for California’s division into a 51st state. However, for this ambitious proposal to advance, it requires approval from both the state legislature and Congress, and experts regard the odds of this occurring as very slim.
The pursuit of splitting California is not a new endeavor; it marks one of over 220 attempts historically made to dismantle the state. The significance of this ongoing effort reflects the long-standing political and regional tensions within California, a state characterized by vast cultural and geographical diversity.
Gallagher’s proposition underscores the complexities of representation and governance in California, as the state’s demographics and political inclinations continue to evolve. As discussions surrounding district boundaries and representation intensify, the broader implications of such significant changes will undoubtedly elicit attention from various stakeholders across the state and the nation.
In summary, the proposal to split California and include Orange County in an inland state not only highlights Gallagher’s response to current congressional mapping debates but also encapsulates the ongoing conversation surrounding representation and political power shifts. As voters prepare to weigh in on the proposed congressional maps this November, the potential for change remains at the forefront of California’s political landscape.
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Additional Resources
- Orange County Register
- Daily News
- My News 13
- Carolina Journal
- Orlando Sentinel
- Wikipedia: California
- Google Search: California split
- Google Scholar: California state division
- Encyclopedia Britannica: California
- Google News: California state split
Author: STAFF HERE COSTA MESA WRITER
COSTA MESA STAFF WRITER The COSTA MESA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERECostaMesa.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Costa Mesa, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the OC Fair, Concerts in the Park, and Fish Fry. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Costa Mesa Chamber of Commerce and Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Orange Coast, plus leading businesses in retail, fashion, and technology that power the local economy such as Vans, Experian, and South Coast Plaza. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HERECoronado.com, HEREHollywood.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, HERELosAngeles.com, HEREMissionViejo.com, HERESanDiego.com, and HERESantaAna.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into California's dynamic landscape.
