Fact check: What percentage of Californian's would like to secede from the union? What percentage of other states would be happy to see California secede?

1. Summary of the results

Based on the available polling data, California secession support varies significantly depending on the survey and timeframe. The most recent data from January 2025 shows 61% of Californians polled believe that peaceful secession from the US would make their lives better ^[1]. However, other sources provide different figures: 29% of Californians support secession according to a February 2024 survey ^[2], while 32% supported immediate separation in a 2017 poll ^[3]. An earlier source indicates that support for secession maxed out at about 30% in 2017 ^[4].

Regarding other states' attitudes toward California secession, the data is limited. One source indicates that 28% of Americans would support another state seceding ^[2], which could potentially include California, but this doesn't specifically address California's departure.

The secession movement, led by Marcus Ruiz Evans, is actively working toward placing a secession measure on the 2028 ballot ^[5]. The movement has reportedly gained momentum following recent political developments and natural disasters ^{[6] [5]}.

2. Missing context/alternative viewpoints

The original question lacks several crucial pieces of context that emerge from the analyses:

• The secession movement faces significant practical obstacles, including the need to gather signatures to qualify for the ballot and opposition from many Californians ^[6]
• There is internal division within the movement itself - co-founder Louis Marinelli has turned against the secession effort ^[4]
• The movement is working with conservative secessionists, suggesting bipartisan frustration with the current political system ^[5]
• A 2024 Los Angeles Times survey found 48% of Republicans believe California is 'not really American' ^[6], which could indicate some national support for California's departure
• California's political climate shows broader dissatisfaction - 70% disapprove of Trump's job performance and 60% believe the state is headed in the wrong direction ^[7]

Political and economic interests that would benefit from California secession include:

• Marcus Ruiz Evans and secession movement leaders who gain prominence and potentially financial support from promoting independence
• Conservative politicians in other states who might benefit from removing California's electoral votes and congressional representation
• Media organizations that profit from covering divisive political movements

3. Potential misinformation/bias in the original statement

The original question appears neutral but contains an implicit assumption that may be misleading:

• The question assumes there is reliable, comprehensive polling data on both parts of the question, when in fact the analyses reveal inconsistent polling results with significant variation (ranging from 29% to 61% support) and limited data on other states' preferences regarding California secession
• The framing suggests these are settled, measurable public opinions when the analyses show that secession support fluctuates based on current events and political climate ^{[3] [5]}
• The question doesn't acknowledge the legal and constitutional impossibility of unilateral secession, which experts note has "no credibility" from a legal standpoint ^[3]

The variation in polling results suggests that the methodology, timing, and specific wording of surveys significantly impact the reported percentages, making any single figure potentially misleading without proper context about when and how it was obtained.