Latest news with #MarcusRuizEvans
CBS News
15-07-2025
- Politics
- CBS News
Leaders of Calexit petition plan to start over, refile ballot initiative
With a week until the signature deadline, the leaders of the California secession movement dubbed "Calexit" have decided to pull their attempted ballot initiative so they can re-file it later in the summertime. "We are going to re-file the ballot initiative so we can start the clock back for five-and-a-half months," said Marcus Ruiz Evans, the leader of Calexit. Ruiz Evans said the leadership doesn't want to chance not meeting the required signature threshold, so they will not be submitting any by the July 22 deadline set by the California Secretary of State's Office. Proponents had to submit at least 546,651 signatures for their initiative to qualify for the 2028 ballot. "We felt that we had the requisite number of signatures, but we did not have the insulation amount. You want to get about 550,000 signatures, but most people will tell you that you need an additional 100,000-300,000 because a lot of those signatures will be invalidated," he said. "Given that this is a radical political concept, we figured that it would be under a high level of scrutiny." The initiative would not have been a vote for California to actually secede, as the question still raises numerous legal questions and a lot of scrutiny. If voters approved it, it would have put the non-binding question on the 2028 ballot: "Should California leave the United States and become a free and independent country?" The measure also would have established an official commission to study California's viability as an independent nation. Approval would require at least 50% voter participation and 55% voting "yes." CBS News Bay Area asked Ruiz Evans about his response to those who would say Calexit failed because of the decision to re-file. "I say, based on what? We didn't get enough signatures this time? Okay," Ruiz Evans said. He points towards other movements, such as the legalization of cannabis and same-sex marriage, that took several attempts and many years to come to fruition. "Both of those movements took about 10 to 12 years to go from 'that will never happen' to full blown legality," he said. While the movement gained notariety following Donald Trump's victory in the 2016 presidential election, Ruiz Evans previously told CBS News Bay Area that his idea for California to secede dates back to 2007. Ruiz Evans explained the Calexit movement's leadership is changing its approach, with the strategy shifting from a grassroots feel to that of a professional operation. He points towards several upcoming events designed to focus on education and fundraising outreach. "The deadline to re-file is mid-August. We're looking to do this at the beginning of August," he said. Though the signature gathering process will start from scratch, he believes the Calexit movement will gain momentum as tensions continue to rise within the current political atmosphere. "The climate is riper than ever," he said. "The soil is more fertile than it's been in 10 years."
Yahoo
08-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
California dreamin' or ‘CalExit'? Secession movement rises again amid GOP ‘hate'
Are you an American planning to stay at the Hotel California? Well, bring your alibis — and maybe your passport too. For the third time, supporters of what's known as 'CalExit' are attempting to get a measure on the ballot that asks California voters a once unthinkable question: Should the state secede from the United States and become its own nation? I'm 49 years old and have nothing saved for retirement — what should I do? Don't panic. Here are 5 of the easiest ways you can catch up (and fast) Nervous about the stock market in 2025? Find out how you can access this $1B private real estate fund (with as little as $10) Here are 3 'must have' items that Americans (almost) always overpay for — and very quickly regret. How many are hurting you? The question has failed twice before, but movement leader Marcus Ruiz Evans has managed to shepherd the initiative to the signature-collection phase. And he says he believes the third time might be the charm. His reasoning? The current presidential administration and American Republicans 'hate' California. 'Republicans now hate us in California more than ever. The hate was palpable in 2016. But now it's palpable and focused,' Evans told the San Francisco Standard. Between the state's severe political divide with the current administration and President Trump's response to the devastating wildfires in January, Evans says Californians are fed up. So, as Billy Joel rues in his eponymous song, is it really time for America to 'say goodbye to Hollywood'? Secession appears highly unlikely. The legal and political hurdles would be immense. But does that mean CalExit has no shot at all? Secession attempts have happened before — the most famous being the Confederate States during the Civil War and Texas's bid to break away, both in the 1800s. Both were declared illegal. Still, while the idea sounds extreme, 61% of Californians say the state would actually be 'better off' if it seceded peacefully, according to the January 2025 Independent California Poll from YouGov. At the same time, 62% of respondents said they didn't think a peaceful and legal break-up would be possible. The California Constitution says the state 'is an inseparable part of the United States of America' and affirms that the U.S. Constitution is the supreme law of the land. Notably, the U.S. Constitution neither grants nor explicitly prohibits states from seceding — an omission that has fueled debates since the 19th century over whether secession is an inherent state right. Evans faces an uphill battle to get the question on the 2028 ballot. He needs at least 545,000 valid signatures by July. Even if he gets them, bigger hurdles await: If 55% of voters approve the initiative, a commission would be formed to analyze whether California could function as an independent nation. Key questions for the commission: Could it govern itself? Could it sustain its own economy? Even if the commission said yes, the debate wouldn't end there. The federal government isn't obligated to honor the results or recommendations. A legitimate path to secession would likely require a constitutional amendment — meaning approval by Congress and 38 states. Read more: Trump warns his tariffs will spark a 'disturbance' in America — use this 1 dead-simple move to help shockproof your retirement plans ASAP Let's say the Golden State clears all the voting hurdles, survives a constitutional change and legally declares itself independent. Could it sustain itself? Consider California's economic might: its $3.9 trillion GDP in 2023 places it among the top five economies in the world. The state is home to global tech giants like Apple and Google, vast agricultural operations and it's chock full of more Fortune 500 companies than any other US state. On top of all that, California controls the entire Pacific coastline, giving it access to vital trading ports. And, of course, there's the entertainment behemoth that is Hollywood. Still, the state would face major adjustments. It would need to establish new trade agreements and tariffs to keep global imports and exports flowing. Businesses might experience supply chain disruptions and the loss of federal subsidies. (Would President Trump slap tariffs on a newly seceded California?) The state would have to establish its own military, build new diplomatic ties and govern a population of 39 million people speaking hundreds of languages and practicing religions and cultural traditions. A new California Republic is unlikely — but the idea is clearly on many people's minds. Is it more than just California Dreaming? Time will tell. Want an extra $1,300,000 when you retire? Dave Ramsey says this 7-step plan 'works every single time' to kill debt, get rich in America — and that 'anyone' can do it Rich, young Americans are ditching the stormy stock market — here are the alternative assets they're banking on instead Cost-of-living in America is still out of control — and prices could keep climbing. Use these 3 'real assets' to protect your wealth today, no matter what Trump does This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.
