California Republicans proposed creating a new state from 35 inland counties in response to Democratic-led redistricting that they claim weakens GOP congressional representation. Assembly Minority Leader James Gallagher introduced Assembly Joint Resolution 23, dubbed “The Two State Solution,” at a Sacramento press conference. The proposal cites the U.S. Constitution’s Article IV, Section 3, which permits forming new states from existing ones with approval from the state legislature and Congress.

With Democrats holding supermajorities in both, the plan faces significant challenges. Gallagher argued the move aims to give inland residents a stronger voice amid rising costs, regulatory burdens, and limited political influence affecting families, small businesses, and truckers. He referenced truckers forced to abandon their vehicles due to California regulations while unveiling a proposed map.

Republicans framed the proposal as a reaction to Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom’s Proposition 50 redistricting, which they say adds five Democratic congressional seats. Gallagher called it “the straw that broke the camel’s back,” accusing inland residents of prolonged underrepresentation. Drawing a biblical analogy, he urged, “Gavin, let my people go.”

The new state would include the Central Valley, Sierra Nevada, Northern California, and the Inland Empire, with about 10 million residents. Coastal Democratic-leaning counties would remain California, though Gallagher suggested boundaries might shift if areas like Orange County choose to join the new state.