In a stunning move that is sending shockwaves through both state and national political circles, California has officially taken the first steps toward potentially becoming its own nation. A ballot initiative that proposes the Golden State secede from the United States and form an independent country has been cleared to gather signatures, with the ultimate goal of appearing on the November 2028 ballot. If successful, it will ask California voters a simple yet monumental question: “Should California leave the United States and become a free and independent country?”
This initiative, announced on January 23, 2025, by California Secretary of State Dr. Shirley N. Weber, marks the beginning of a legal process that could lead to the unthinkable: the breakup of the United States. The initiative has now passed its first hurdle, with the Attorney General preparing the legal title and summary to appear on the petitions. With this step completed, petition circulators are now free to gather signatures across the state to place the issue on the ballot.
The proposition, if it reaches the 2028 ballot, would ask California voters to decide whether they believe their state should continue as part of the United States or separate and form its own independent nation. For the initiative to pass, a majority of California voters must participate, with at least 55% voting “yes” to secede. While this vote would not immediately change California’s status or its relationship with the federal government, it would symbolize a significant “vote of no confidence” in the United States, signaling the will of the people to move toward independence.
Supporters of the initiative argue that California, with its large population and thriving economy, has the resources and autonomy to stand alone as a sovereign nation. The measure includes the creation of a commission to assess California’s viability as an independent country, which would examine everything from fiscal concerns to international relations. However, the cost of the initiative itself is no small matter. The state has estimated that the initial election-related costs, along with funding for the commission on national sovereignty, will run upwards of $10 million, with an additional $2 million annually to maintain the commission.
The proponent behind this ambitious measure, Marcus Evans, now faces the challenge of collecting 546,651 signatures from registered voters—5% of the total votes cast in the 2022 governor’s election—in order to place the initiative on the ballot. He has until July 22, 2025, to gather these signatures and submit them to county election officials.
While the initiative is still in its infancy, it has already sparked intense debate across the political spectrum. For some, the notion of California seceding from the Union is an exciting prospect—an opportunity for the state to take control of its destiny without interference from Washington, D.C. For others, it’s an irresponsible and dangerous fantasy that undermines the unity and strength of the United States.
California, with its liberal-leaning politics and progressive policies, has often been at odds with the federal government. From battles over immigration policy to environmental regulations, the state’s leaders have frequently clashed with Washington. However, a full break from the Union is a different matter altogether.
As California moves forward with this bold initiative, it remains to be seen whether this secession effort will gain the momentum needed to make it to the ballot. But with significant financial and political backing, this movement is sure to continue to stir the pot as it inches closer to a showdown in 2028. Whether California chooses to break away or remain part of the United States, one thing is certain: this debate will continue to dominate headlines for years to come.
