Assemblyman James Gallagher Proposes California Split to Shasta County Supervisors
Following the recent passage of Proposition 50, Assemblyman James Gallagher from District 3 visited Shasta County to continue advocating for dividing California into two separate states — one for the coastal counties and another for the inland regions.
“I’ve traveled all throughout this state and I can tell you, it’s not just Northern California that feels overlooked and ignored,” said Gallagher during his address to the board and audience.
Gallagher argued that Proposition 50 undermines fair representation in Congress. According to him, the new congressional districts could allow only three Bay Area representatives to speak for all of Northern California, leaving rural communities without a strong voice.
“Prop 50 has ripped away our representation in Congress. It’s very likely, after this next congressional election, that three Bay Area people will represent the entirety of Northern California,” he explained.
Gallagher presented a new map outlining how the state could be divided. The proposal has drawn attention from other officials, including District 1 Representative Doug LaMalfa, who may lose his seat under the new boundaries.
Some Shasta County leaders expressed interest in discussing the matter further. Board Chair and District 1 Supervisor Kevin Crye emphasized the importance of collective discussion among local supervisors.
“If there’s a town hall, only one other person can be there. So, this is really about getting the five supervisors together to be able to have this discussion,” said Crye.
Public reaction to Gallagher’s plan was mixed. Many residents voiced skepticism given the state’s long history of similar failed attempts.
“This is apparently the 221st attempt to split California. It’s going to end in the dustbin of history, just like all other attempts,” commented Jeff Gorder.
Author’s Summary
Gallagher’s renewed pitch to split California underscores deep political divides between rural and coastal communities, reigniting the long-running debate over representation and governance.