Wed Jan 29 00:00:00 UTC 2025: ## California Secession Bid Gains Momentum: 2028 Ballot Push
**SACRAMENTO, CA** – A movement to secede California from the United States is gaining traction, with organizers receiving official approval to begin collecting signatures for a 2028 ballot initiative. California Secretary of State Shirley Weber announced Thursday that Calexit leader Marcus Ruiz Evans must gather at least 546,651 signatures from registered voters by July 22, 2025, to qualify the measure for the November 2028 election.
Evans, a Fresno resident and staunch opponent of former President Donald Trump, frames Calexit as a means to escape federal overreach and reclaim control over California’s destiny. His website describes the initiative as a path towards self-governance free from “unelected bureaucrats in Washington.” Evans, who has pursued secession since 2012, recently parted ways with a former partner due to irreconcilable political differences. He also revealed being questioned by the FBI regarding a former associate whose secessionist activities were allegedly linked to Russian intelligence.
Despite the perceived long shot nature of the effort, with Evans himself acknowledging the “crazy” label often associated with secessionists, he believes widespread outrage over Trump’s presidency and actions, particularly concerning California’s wildfires and disputes with Governor Gavin Newsom, can fuel support for the initiative. California, the nation’s most populous and one of its wealthiest states, would represent a significant loss to the Union if successful. The potential ramifications of such a secession are far-reaching and represent a considerable political challenge.
First Piper 