The movement for California to secede from the United States, known as Calexit, has gained significant traction after receiving the green light from state officials to collect signatures for the ballot. If the initiative is successful, it could pave the way for California to become its own independent nation by as early as 2028.
At the forefront of this movement is Fresno-based political activist Marcus Ruiz Evans, who has long championed the idea of Calexit. His proposal is modeled after the Brexit vote, which saw the UK leave the European Union. The question posed to California voters would be straightforward: “Should California leave the United States and become a free and independent country?” If organizers can collect enough support, they could initiate what they describe as “a vote of no confidence” against the federal government.
According to California Secretary of State Shirley Weber, organizers must gather at least 546,651 signatures — 5 percent of the votes cast for governor during the 2022 elections — before submitting them to county election officials by July 22, 2025. Ruiz Evans has expressed confidence, stating, “We believe now is the best time to Calexit! We are more situated to make Calexit happen than we were in 2016.”
The proposed measure would necessitate considerable funding for the process, estimated at $10 million, along with $2 million per year to operate the commission tasked with studying California’s independence. Under the initiative, the establishment of this commission would also review the feasibility of California as a self-sustaining nation, with its findings to be published by 2028.
Evans argues the movement is about self-determination and accountability to the residents of California rather than “unelected bureaucrats” based elsewhere. “Calexit means our laws are determined by the people of California,” he stated on his campaign website. “It means we get a government confined to our borders.” This sentiment reflects the frustration felt by many Californians, particularly following political decisions they view as contrary to their interests, especially under the Trump administration.
Indeed, California is not just the most populous state; it boasts the fifth-largest economy globally, according to the International Monetary Fund. This economic prowess adds weight to the argument for independence, as proponents feel California could thrive outside the constraints of federal regulations and policies they perceive as detrimental.
Evans’ push for secession gained momentum following Trump’s election, which he characterized as “an attack on everything California cares about.” Political tensions escalate as Trump’s administration often clashes with California’s Democratic leadership, including Governor Gavin Newsom, who has been openly vocal against Trump. This growing rift has galvanized proponents of Calexit, who hope to build on the momentum of the 2016 campaign, which fell short of the necessary support.
Public sentiment surrounding Calexit has been mixed and somewhat polarized. Social media reflects viewpoints ranging from enthusiastic support to harsh criticism of the movement. One user bluntly stated, “Liberals are now pushing for California to become an independent country,” demonstrating the divisive nature of the idea and the cultural stakes at play.
While the Calexit campaign moves forward, it is important to note the constitutional barriers to such action. The U.S. Constitution lacks any formal mechanism for secession, and historical precedents indicate significant legal obstacles. A Supreme Court ruling from 1869 declared the admission of states to the Union as final, except through revolution or mutual consent of the states. This has led some skeptics to question the practicalities of Evans' ambitious goals.
Despite these challenges, Evans remains resolute, driven by his opposition to Trump and his desire for Californians to control their own destiny. “People think if you’re a secessionist, you’re crazy,” he remarked, adding, “I hate Donald Trump. When I look at Trump, it reminds me of all the horror stories my mom and grandma told me from before they left Texas.”
Whether the Calexit initiative gains the support it needs remains to be seen, but the groundwork has been laid for what could be one of the most significant political movements in U.S. history. For many Californians, the potential of independence is not just about political ideology; it's about establishing self-governance and determining the future of their state. The outcome of this campaign could have ramifications beyond California's borders, pushing the conversation about state autonomy and representation to the forefront of national discourse.