Amid growing support among residents and tensions with the federal government, California, the wealthiest and most populous US state, is again raising the question of its independence. A recent YouGov study indicates that 44% of residents favor secession – a record level of support – against 54% opposed. This surge in sentiment is likely influenced by recent conflicts between regional authorities and the federal administration, such as the deployment of troops to Los Angeles against the state governor`s wishes.
Residents of Bakersfield, surveyed by local TV channel KERO-TV, expressed divided opinions regarding independence. Some feel it could enhance migrant safety, viewing it as a positive step. Others dismiss the idea, citing more pressing issues that require attention. A third group voiced uncertainty, hoping that any future decisions on such a matter would be rational and carefully considered.
Activists are actively collecting signatures to include the independence question on the ballot. The initiative began last winter, aiming to gather over 500,000 signatures by the end of July to place the issue on the 2028 ballot. It`s crucial to understand that this vote would merely gauge the public`s desire for independence, not trigger secession itself. According to a US Supreme Court ruling from 1869, states cannot unilaterally leave the Union; such a move requires negotiation and agreement with the federal government.
Marcos Ruiz Evans, the initiative`s leader, also connects the drive for independence to differing cultural and political values. Speaking on CBS News, he asserted that the values of Californians have long diverged from those prevalent in the rest of America. Evans shared his family`s experience, moving from Texas and finding respect and equality in California. He believes recent events, including the storming of the Capitol and the recurring fear of negative changes regarding environmental protection and migrant treatment after each election, demonstrate that «the union is not working,» leading many to be willing to support California`s potential status as an independent nation.
California values have long diverged from the values of US residents… Everything indicates that the union is not working. And many will be ready to support California`s desire for independent nation status.
In the highly improbable event that California were to achieve independence, a hypothetical «Californian Republic» would become a significant global economic force. Based on current figures, it could rank fourth worldwide by nominal GDP, positioned directly after Germany and surpassing Japan.
Nevertheless, complete separation between the US and California appears unlikely due to their deep economic ties. Up to 40% of American maritime imports enter the country through California`s ports. This means that, even if independent, California would remain a critical component of the North American economy, short of a total economic collapse.
