California Takes First Steps Toward Possible Independence, Sparking Nationwide Debate

In a bold political move that’s drawing attention across the country, California has officially launched a process that could one day see it break away from the United States and become an independent nation. A proposed ballot measure that would allow Californians to vote on secession has cleared a major hurdle and is now authorized to begin collecting signatures in an effort to secure a spot on the November 2028 ballot.

If the initiative succeeds in reaching voters, they’ll face a direct and historic question: “Should California leave the United States and form its own independent country?”

The proposal, announced by Secretary of State Dr. Shirley N. Weber on January 23, 2025, marks the beginning of what could become a groundbreaking legal and political journey. With the state’s Attorney General having finalized the official title and summary for the petition, organizers can now legally seek signatures from the public to move the measure forward.

If placed on the ballot and approved, the initiative would not immediately separate California from the United States. However, it would send a powerful signal of discontent with the federal government and a desire among voters to pursue full sovereignty. The measure requires a 55% majority to pass.

Proponents argue that California—home to nearly 40 million people and the world’s fifth-largest economy—has the infrastructure, resources, and governance to succeed as a standalone country. The initiative also proposes the formation of a dedicated commission to explore the logistics of secession, including economic stability, governance, and foreign relations. Initial state estimates peg the cost of the process at over $10 million, with an ongoing annual budget of $2 million to support the proposed commission’s activities.

The effort is spearheaded by activist Marcus Evans, who must now gather 546,651 valid signatures from registered voters—equal to 5% of the votes cast in California’s 2022 governor’s race—by July 22, 2025, to qualify the measure for the ballot.

Though still in its infancy, the campaign has already sparked intense political debate. Some residents see the push for independence as a chance to forge a new future without the constraints of federal oversight, particularly in areas like immigration, climate policy, and civil rights—where California has long butted heads with Washington. Others dismiss the idea as unrealistic, warning it could fragment the nation and cause significant economic and legal uncertainty.

California has a long history of defying federal authority, but pursuing full independence represents a massive leap beyond past political disagreements. Whether the movement gains enough traction to make the 2028 ballot remains to be seen. But as the conversation continues, one thing is clear: California’s flirtation with independence will remain a hot topic in the years to come.