By Colton McAllister, Politics Reporter

California Assembly Republican Leader James Gallagher has formally introduced legislation that would allow 35 inland counties to break away and form a new state.

Gallagher’s proposal, Assembly Joint Resolution 23, is rooted in what he describes as years of neglect and exploitation of rural California communities. From water restrictions to soaring energy costs, Gallagher says state leaders in Sacramento have ignored the realities of inland families while catering to coastal elites.

“California is run by politicians who don’t care because they don’t have to,” Gallagher said when announcing the measure. “They exploit our water, suppress our energy, skyrocket our costs, and kill our jobs.”

The measure seeks California’s consent under Article IV, Section 3 of the U.S. Constitution, clearing the way for inland counties to petition Congress for recognition as a separate state.

Governor Gavin Newsom was quick to criticize the idea, reportedly saying Gallagher doesn’t “deserve to hold office in the Golden State.” Gallagher fired back, noting he’s been elected six times by voters in his district and is carrying the message they’ve long wanted Sacramento to hear.

While the proposal faces long odds in the Democrat-controlled Legislature, Gallagher says the fight is bigger than Sacramento politics. If lawmakers refuse, he’s ready to take the matter directly to the people through the ballot box.

Supporters argue the effort reflects a growing frustration among Californians who feel cut out of representation and left behind by one-size-fits-all policy. Gallagher has also launched a ballot committee, Free California, to explore multiple avenues for reform — from reducing government overreach to cutting costs for taxpayers.

“This is about standing up for communities that have been forgotten,” Gallagher said. “The time has come.”