The political landscape of California is experiencing a growing rift, with rural voters increasingly expressing dissatisfaction with the Democratic supermajority in Sacramento. This discontent stems from a perception that urban areas dominate state politics, leading to policies that neglect the needs and concerns of rural communities. Residents in these areas feel burdened by excessive regulations, a high cost of living, and a perceived disconnect between the laws being passed and their lived realities. This sentiment has fueled a movement advocating for the creation of a new state, tentatively called “New California,” encompassing most of the existing state’s landmass but excluding major metropolitan areas like Los Angeles and San Francisco.
Proponents of this separation argue that it would lead to fairer and more responsive governance for regions outside of California’s major cities. They believe a new state government would be more attuned to their concerns, particularly regarding issues like crime, immigration, and economic regulations. Paul Preston, the founder of the New California State movement, characterizes California as a “one-party state” operating akin to a communist regime, where laws are enacted without regard for the rural population. He cites the state’s crime problems, including the recall of several district attorneys deemed too lenient on criminals, and the perceived influx of illegal migrants as key drivers of this dissatisfaction. Furthermore, he points to the passage of Proposition 36, a tough-on-crime measure, as evidence of the disconnect between the electorate and the Democratic leadership.
While the proposed map of New California is preliminary, it reflects the movement’s desire to establish a distinct political entity with greater control over its borders and policies. The inclusion of the border with Mexico within the proposed state underscores the emphasis on combating illegal immigration, a central concern for many rural residents. This sentiment is echoed by individuals like Tina Hessong, a resident of Yuba City, who believes California is more conservative than its national image suggests. She argues that the large populations of Los Angeles and San Francisco disproportionately influence state politics, marginalizing the voices of rural communities. Similarly, Ellen Lee Zhou, who has run for mayor of San Francisco, criticizes Democratic lawmakers and Governor Newsom for prioritizing illegal immigrants over legal residents and abandoning common sense in policymaking.
The rural-urban divide in California is not solely defined by geographic location but also by differing political ideologies and priorities. Assembly Republican Leader James Gallagher, while acknowledging the urban-rural tension, emphasizes the coastal versus inland distinction as a more accurate representation of the divide. He points to policies like the electric vehicle mandate as an example of how Sacramento’s decisions disproportionately impact rural residents, who often rely on traditional vehicles and may face challenges adapting to electric vehicle infrastructure. This sentiment reflects a broader concern that the state government is out of touch with the needs and economic realities of inland communities.
The New California movement is not the first attempt to reshape the state’s political boundaries. California has a long history of secessionist movements, with over 220 attempts to divide the state since its admission to the Union in 1850. More recent efforts, such as billionaire Tim Draper’s proposals to split California into three or six states, have also failed to gain traction. These repeated attempts highlight the persistent tension between different regions within the state and the ongoing debate over representation and governance.
Despite the historical precedent and current fervor, the path to creating a new state faces significant obstacles. The endeavor would require legislative approval, a daunting prospect given the Democratic supermajority. Nevertheless, proponents remain hopeful, believing that the growing divide between urban and rural California may eventually create an opportunity for change. They cite positive reception from some members of Congress, including Democrats, as a sign of growing awareness of their concerns. While the future of New California remains uncertain, the movement reflects a deep and persistent dissatisfaction with the status quo and a desire for greater political autonomy among rural Californians.
