A Two State Solution?

COLUSA, CA (MPG) — On Saturday, Aug. 2, the New California State movement held a series of coordinated voting events across every county in the state, including one in Colusa County. The effort aimed to gather public input on the group’s proposed New California Constitution.

The Colusa event, led by County Chairperson Tina Hessong, was held at the Colusa Library’s Morse Conference Room and began at 10 a.m. Just two votes were cast during the morning local session, following a similar event held a few weeks earlier that drew nine.

Founded in early 2025, the New California State initiative seeks to restructure governance in California by increasing local control over taxation, education, water, and other public resources. Organizers describe the movement as a response to what they view as decades of political and economic imbalance between rural and urban areas.

The group positions itself as distinct from the older State of Jefferson movement, which has long advocated for secession of Northern California counties into a new state. While Jefferson pushes for the creation of a separate state, New California seeks to work within the state’s constitutional framework through community votes and initiative processes.

Organizers describe the coordinated voting day as a nonbinding but important milestone for measuring public interest and engagement. The group held similar voting sessions in all California counties on the same day, part of what it called a “principle election” aimed at gauging support for its proposed constitution.

Hessong said the turnout in Colusa County was modest but reflective of early grassroots interest. She added that these efforts are part of a larger, long-term outreach strategy.

Future plans for the initiative include continued public education, additional voting days, and eventually, pursuing statewide petitions or ballot measures.

For more information, visit the group’s official website at www.newcaliforniastate.com.