James Gallagher, the top Republican in the California Assembly, recently introduced a controversial resolution that would split California vertically in two. This proposal would create a contentious new map that purposely divides the very deep-blue coastal communities from much more rural, definitely-red communities to the west. The potential new state of “Jefferson” would be home to a population of more than 10 million—a very real testament to the incredible demographic impact Gallagher’s proposition has.
Gallagher’s proposal emerges as a strategic response to Democrats’ redistricting efforts, which seek to adjust congressional maps in a manner that critics argue could disadvantage rural voices. In Gallagher’s words, these new maps would “silence rural voices and rig the political system against them forever.”
Gallagher’s proposal is playing out against the backdrop of a potentially seismic special election this November. This election, California voters will decide whether their lawmakers should be allowed to redraw congressional districts. This announcement follows California’s Democratic-controlled legislature approving a dramatic redistricting plan just last week. Before 2020, states primarily drew their congressional maps once per decade, following the lead of data from the decennial census. According to Proposition 11, in California the new maps will be used until 2030.
In Gallagher’s view, the state’s rural communities have been shortchanged and forgotten. He stated, “Whether you are from the north state, Central Valley, or the Inland Empire, life has become harder and completely unaffordable.” He thinks action on statehood might be the most galvanizing and unlocking act for improving this most foundational matter. “I have come to see that the only way we can obtain proper attention is by pursuing our own statehood,” Gallagher remarked.
Republicans are now poised to use this new positive spin Democrats have given them to whip up popular opposition to the forthcoming redistricting ballot initiative. Gallagher and his G.O.P. They intend to support political diversity as a feature of this development. The phrase “two-state solution” hasn’t been immune to criticism, especially due to its historical use in the context of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Democratic leaders quickly dismissed Gallagher’s proposal. Nick Miller, the communications director for new Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas, slammed Gallagher’s resolution as a gerrymander. He made the case that all demographics deserve fair representation. “A person who seeks to split California does not deserve to hold office in the Golden State,” added a spokesperson for Governor Gavin Newsom.
The battle over the future of California’s political landscape is just getting started. Both sides are preparing for a big fight in the months leading up to the November election. Whatever the outcome of this election, it will dramatically change the political landscape in California. Less known is its profound influence on the continuing war for control of Congress around the country.