California “two-state solution” fueled by redistricting arms race
Back in early August, I noted that the congressional redistricting arms race to secure partisan control of Washington is yet another reminder of why power must be decentralized away from the nation’s capital.
I remember thinking that, while extremely unlikely to happen (at least anytime in the near future), the redistricting fights in deep-blue states would only add fuel to breakaway movements driven by political frustration. This especially evident in California’s “two-state solution” movement and efforts in Eastern Oregon or Eastern Washington to breakaway or merge with bordering Idaho.
The Hill reports that California Assembly GOP leader James Gallagher has floated a “two-state solution” in response to Gov. Newsom’s push for Democrat-friendly redistricting. The plan would carve out 35 inland counties into a new state, leaving coastal metros like Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Diego in the existing California. This is a natural consequence of more rural or conservative constituencies being carved out of a voice in partisan redistricting wars that aim to secure more power in D.C.
I used to work for a Congressman so I know how important congressional representation is for communities and states intentionally creating more partisan maps has consequences to local decision making and self-government.
It will be interesting to keep an eye on the fallout from spreading battles over redistricting and what that means for states, localities, and the race to try and secure partisan control in Congress.
Ultimately, the more our political system revolves around who controls Washington, the more incentives states and regions will have to explore radical ideas like secession or state-splitting. Renewing a healthy federalism, where more decisions are left closer to the people, would do more to ease these tensions, particularly at a local level. The race to control Washington signals the exact opposite strategy, causing more dysfunction and radicalized solutions focused on division.
—Ray Nothstine
— The Federalism Beat