It already is happening! To date, eleven Oregon counties have voted to secede from their state in favor of their eastern neighbor. The end may ultimately include counties from Washington and California.
Understanding the Motivation Behind “Greater Idaho”
The question becomes, “Why?” Why would counties in Eastern and Southern Oregon want to leave their state? Conservative podcaster, Dr. Steven Turley proffered this analogy. “Imagine Alabama being governed by San Francisco.”
In short, it is about political ideology. Rural counties feel strangled by far-left Portland. In “ruby red” Idaho, they see a conservative respite from Woke policies pushed by Portland and the Willamette Valley region.
The “Greater Idaho” movement is not an overnight thing. It began several years ago and continues to pick up steam. Nobody knows where it will end. One thing is for certain. If it does come to fruition, expect the trend to become a nationwide thing.
Under the Radar – For Now
Directly adjacent to these eastern and southern Oregon counties is the proposed state of “Jefferson.” Most of Jefferson includes extreme northern California. Seven of Jefferson’s counties are in southern Oregon, including Klamath and Coos Counties. The last serious proposal for statehood came in 1941.
The proposed state of Jefferson is roughly the size of Utah with a population comparable to Arkansas. It extends as far south as Stanislaus County (Modesto) and includes El Dorado and Placer Counties, which make up the western land border of Lake Tahoe.
Residents who formed the Jefferson Movement had felt ignored by Sacramento and Salem, the capitals of California and Oregon respectively. The state’s green flag, with the two large X’s, reflects this point of view. Should these Oregon counties leave in favor of Idaho, expect Jefferson to follow suit.
Lincoln to Follow Jefferson
With Jefferson’s request to become a part of Greater Idaho, it’s a near certainty that another would-be state, Lincoln would follow suit. Lincoln attempted to become a state in 1869. It is roughly the size of Georgia with a population almost identical to that of Idaho’s. The largest city is Spokane.
Greater Idaho: An Agricultural Powerhouse
Combined with Jefferson, Lincoln and the remaining eastern Oregon counties, Greater Idaho would be comparable to Texas in size, with a population about the size of Virginia. Currently, Idaho has 1.84 million residents. Now imagine adding Colorado and Wyoming’s populations to Idaho’s.
This new state would be one of America’s most diverse. It would boast majestic mountains, picturesque beaches, redwood forests, and some of the continent’s finest snow skiing. Throughout this “new” state are natural phenomena including Hells Canyon, Lake Tahoe, Sun Valley, and Crater Lake National Park.
In addition to Idaho’s famous potatoes, Greater Idaho would represent one of America’s great granaries, which would include wheat, barley, rye, and oats. World-renowned apples would be a mainstay. Vineyards flourish throughout. The southern part of the sprawling state would include the northern end of the San Joaquin Valley, which produces specialized crops, including rice.
Political Fallout
First question: Would California, Oregon, and Washington allow these counties to exit? There may not be a clear answer. In truth, we are in unchartered territory. There is nothing in the Constitution that would prevent counties from leaving states in favor of other states. Presumably, the final decision would be left up to the individual states.
The Constitution stipulates the following:
Article IV, Section 3, Clause 1 of the US Constitution states: New States may be admitted by the Congress into this Union; but no new States shall be formed or erected within the Jurisdiction of any other State; nor any State be formed by the Junction of two or more States, or parts of States, without the Consent of the Legislatures of the States concerned as well as of the Congress.
Thus, California, Oregon, and Washington would need to okay any moves and the U.S. Congress would need to sign off on it. The next question: “Would they?”
From a representation standpoint, not much would change. Greater Idaho would have two senators. They would have eleven congressional seats. Idaho is a “deep red” state and is represented by two Republican senators. Existing congressional districts might be altered but not appreciably. The most noticeable change would be with presidential electors.
Eastern Washington, Jefferson, and Lincoln are Republican strongholds. Bidding their current states, “adieu,” is not a stretch! California, Oregon, and Washington are solidly blue. Based on current voting trends, Greater Idaho would be as “red” as Indiana or Kentucky.
With its size, resources, relatively mild climate, and conservative orientation, the population would almost certainly skyrocket! This seems likely if the vast amounts of BLM lands located in Greater Idaho became targets for Donald Trump’s proposed “Freedom Cities!”
It would be tough, albeit not impossible, to sell. The hope would be that states losing counties embrace the idea of “less interference” from conservative stalwarts, opposed to progressivism.
