California lawmaker proposes 'two-state solution' in response to redistricting fight

SACRAMENTO -- Amidst the high-profile redistricting fight, a California lawmaker is proposing that the map be permanently redrawn to split the state in two.

James Gallagher, the top Republican in the California State Assembly, announced the alternate plan to Gov. Gavin Newsom's redistricting plan, which is set to go before voters in November.

Instead of carving up individual congressional districts, Gallagher is proposing the state be split in two, calling it a "two-state solution."

"We don't want any part of a government that won't give us a voice," said Gallagher during a press conference Wednesday.

Gallagher's plan would cleave the state into two distinct parts, with the bluer coastal counties separated from the more GOP-heavy inland portions of the state. The inland area would have more than 10 million people and would be larger than 40 other states.

"We can govern ourselves and make decisions that actually work for the inland parts of this state," said Gallagher, who believes Newsom's California redistricting plan eliminates voices from inland communities.

"Their representation could be completely stripped by the 'Gavinmander' proposal, Prop 50, that's been put on the ballot," he said.

"Newsom and his super majority can continue to govern in the way they want," he added. "I mean, knock yourselves out, guys, maybe gas will be $10 a gallon by the time you're done, but we would like to pursue different policies."

The idea of splitting California isn't new.

In 2018, an initiative to divide California into three states was removed from the ballot by the state Supreme Court.

In 2014, a proposal called Six Californias was financed by venture capitalist Tim Draper, but failed to qualify for the ballot.

Newsom's office sent a statement to ABC7 in Los Angeles, saying "a person who seeks to split California does not deserve to hold office in the Golden State. This is a stunt that will go nowhere."

Other Democrats agree.

"It's ridiculous to try to split the state into two," said Rep. Judy Chu.

Jessica Levinson, a constitutional law expert, said legally, it can happen.

"It absolutely is the case that the Constitution provides for a path, but that's a difficult path," she explained. "California's legislature would have to agree that, yes, this is something we want to do. California's legislature is not going to do that, and Congress, similarly, would also have to agree, and I don't see that happening either."

If the two-state solution proposal fails in the legislature, Gallagher said another option is a ballot initiative and putting it on the ballot as a proposition.