Republican Meeting Chief James Gallagher is behind a long-shot effort to separate California into two separate states.
He now thinks Orange County needs to be added to the brand new proposed state, comprised principally of inland counties.
Gallagher floated his California break up proposal two weeks in the past, amid legislative Democrats’ efforts to advance a mid-cycle congressional redistricting proposal. Voters in November, in a particular election, will determine whether or not to enact partisan maps for the subsequent three congressional elections — a transfer proponents say is supposed to counter related gerrymandering efforts in Republican-led states, together with Texas and Missouri.
Gallagher’s unique plan saved all of California’s coastal counties, besides Del Norte, in a single state with the others in a second state.
In an X put up on Wednesday, the Meeting GOP chief stated he thinks Orange County ought to transfer into that inland state.
ANNOUNCEMENT: As a result of overwhelming response obtained, we’re including Orange County to the New State proposal.
Along with being an iconic California county, Orange can be so severely #Gavinmandered underneath Prop 50 that they might lose illustration to LA.
We can’t…
— James Gallagher (@J_GallagherAD3) September 10, 2025
“Along with being an iconic California county, Orange can be so severely (gerrymandered) underneath Prop. 50 that they might lose illustration to L.A.,” Gallagher, R-East Nicolaus, stated in a put up on X. “We can’t enable that to occur! They deserve illustration that’s true to their communities and pursuits.”
The proposed new congressional boundary maps, ought to voters approve them, would make a number of adjustments to Orange County’s districts.
There can be eight districts that embody not less than a portion of the county, reasonably than simply six as it’s now. Two of these proposed districts — the thirty eighth District and forty first District — would principally embody communities to the north in Los Angeles County whereas selecting up just a few of OC’s cities.
One of the vital talked-about adjustments is the merger of Huntington Seashore and components of Newport Seashore right into a congressional district anchored by Lengthy Seashore. Huntington Seashore and Newport Seashore are included in a district represented by a Democratic member of Congress now — nevertheless it’s one which additionally consists of different Orange County coastal cities of Laguna Seashore and Seal Seashore.
Registered Democrats maintain a slim benefit in Orange County, as of the newest voter registration tally in February by the secretary of state. Democrats account for 36.4% of registered voters within the county, whereas Republicans make up 34.3% and no celebration choice voters 23%.
The joint decision that Gallagher launched, calling for a 51st state, is co-authored by a number of different Republicans within the statehouse, together with Southern California Assemblymembers Leticia Castillo, Tom Lackey and Kate Sanchez.
However to ensure that the inland counties to determine their very own statehood, the thought must be authorized by each homes of the state legislature. Congress would additionally need to vote for the formation of a brand new state.
It’s a extremely unlikely proposal.
Employees author Linh Tat contributed to this report.
