The State of Jefferson Secessionists vs The New California State

QUICK OVERVIEW

• Goal: Create a new state, "State of Jefferson," by merging rural northern California counties with some southern Oregon counties. 
• Rationale: Claims of neglect and underrepresentation of rural areas by the state government in Sacramento. 
• Proposed Area: Rural areas of Northern California (from roughly Redding northwards) and Southern Oregon. 
• Key Issues & Political Motivation: Resource management (water rights, logging), taxation, and cultural differences between rural and urban areas.
• Current Status: Some counties in the proposed region have passed resolutions in support of the secession effort, but the movement has not gained widespread traction and remains largely symbolic. 

History & Detailed Information:

The California State of Jefferson is a region that wants to break away from California. This idea originated in the 1940s, when a group of armed white local citizens in Yreka barricaded Highway 99 at the California-Oregon border. The protesters were angry about a lack of representation, water rights, and the spending of tax dollars in cities. They believed they were not receiving the services and attention they needed from the government in Sacramento. The name "State of Jefferson" originates from a proposed state that would encompass parts of northern California and southern Oregon. Over the years, a small group of people has kept this idea alive, despite it never developing into a serious movement. This secessionist group aims to establish its own state, believing it can manage its local affairs more effectively than the state governments. Notably, the secessionist movement gained momentum during President Barack Obama's second term. Is it a coincidence that the fuel that reignited the secessionist movement was the country's first black president?

The dangers posed by the State of Jefferson secessionists are mostly linked to their strong feelings about government and authority. Some of these individuals hold radical views, believing that they should not be required to follow state laws if they disagree with them. This attitude has led to conflict with local authorities and a breakdown of community trust and feelings of safety. In recent years, some of the beliefs of the State of Jefferson movement have become increasingly extreme, aligning with the far-right wing. Their ideas sometimes overlap with anti-government sentiments, which can spark tensions within the community. They attract other extremist groups, like the Hell Valley Proud Boys, that feel frustrated with the government, which can lead to even more problems for local communities. In recent years, multiple instances have occurred where right-wing extremist groups, such as the Hell Valley Proud Boys, have allied with the State of Jefferson and the Cottonwood Militia.

Donald Trump has been indirectly associated with the State of Jefferson movement. During his first term, Trump fostered a political climate that frequently challenged the government. Trump’s racist, sexist, and anti-immigrant rhetoric, and the expression of victimhood he fabricated against the “fake news” and non-supporters, made him popular among Jeffersonians. Supporters of the State of Jefferson feel inspired by Trump’s ideology, who see him as a leader who understands their frustrations. This connection to Trump makes the movement more appealing to people who feel alienated or ignored. However, this raises significant concerns about how radical some supporters will become. If they take their ideas too far, it could create serious division and insight conflict, not just in their communities, but also in the broader political landscape. 

It is crucial to highlight that several members of the State of Jefferson movement were present during the insurrection at the Capitol in Washington, D.C. on January 6, 2021. These individuals prominently displayed the State of Jefferson flag, symbolizing their commitment to the cause as they engaged in the attempt to disrupt the democratic process. This involvement is substantiated by images shared on a public Facebook post by notable movement member Sally Rapoza, showcasing their participation in this significant and controversial event (see image below).

The State of Jefferson secessionist movement, characterized by its radical ideologies and extremist beliefs, which has unfortunately attracted even more extreme and violent factions, actively engages in illegal activities to promote their agenda, casting a shadow over the values of our community. Their readiness to resort to nefarious and violent actions in pursuit of their narrative is deeply troubling and should not be accepted or normalized.

In the context of the current political landscape — where the Trump administration wields power across all three branches of government and the Shasta County Board of Supervisors is predominantly filled with right-wing MAGA pundits — it becomes crucial for us to stand firm against this divisive movement. Their encroachment threatens the harmony and well-being of our community. We must unite and take a stand by exercising our right to vote, ensuring that we remove these influences from positions of power and restore integrity to our governance!

QUICK OVERVIEW

•  Goal: Create a new state entirely within the existing boundaries of California by dividing the state along political lines.
• Rationale: Disagreements with the state government's policies on issues like taxation, environmental regulations, and social issues.
• Proposed Area: New California proposes a split within the existing California borders only. 
• Key Issues & Political Motivation: Focused solely on ideological and political divides between rural and urban areas.
• Current Status: Similar to the State of Jefferson, this movement has garnered some support in certain counties; however, it faces significant hurdles, including the need for approval from both the California State Legislature and the United States Congress. 

History & Detailed Information:

Paul Preston is the architect, CEO, and self-declared Governor of the New California State. Preston's cause, similar to that of the State of Jefferson, aims to transform a large portion of California into a new state while leaving behind the more liberal population centers. 

Preston had long been a fervent advocate for the State of Jefferson Movement, passionately championing the cause for many years. However, as time passed, a noticeable rift began to develop between him and the Jeffersonian supporters. Preston grew increasingly frustrated with what he perceived as a lack of radicalism in their approach. He contended that the movement's strategy for achieving statehood, filing a lawsuit against the State of California for "dilution of vote," was fundamentally flawed and misguided. In his eyes, the cause deserved a bolder, more assertive, and radical push for independence.

In addition, Preston firmly believed in his own conspiracy theory—that the State of Jefferson Movement was, in fact, a secretive initiative backed by the liberal billionaire George Soros. Due to overwhelming infighting, Preston exited, and the New State of California Secessionist Movement was formed. 

In December 2024, Preston organized a meeting at the Redding library, where a meager number (20 to be exact) of his followers from Shasta and Tehama Counties were in attendance. The focus of the meeting was the 2024 election and questioning the certified results. Attendees were encouraged to share their personal voting experiences, sparking discussions about election fraud and conspiracy theories. At the day and time, outside the County Administration Building, defeated County Supervisor candidate Laura Hobbs was holding an event to promote repeated claims about election fraud.

Since the 2020 election, Shasta County has become a hotbed for election deniers and skeptics in recent years.

Ponder this... With Clint Curtis being appointed Registrar of Voters for Shasta County (Curtis is nationally and internationally known for his election denial and conspiracy theories) and backed by his close associate Douglas Frank, who has the ongoing influence and financial support of Mike Lindell, the already pervasive rhetoric surrounding election conspiracy theories will only be amplified further in our County!

Oh, and of course... Clint Curtis is a card-carrying voting member of the New California State Movement! See the video of Clint Curtis voting at the election on 7/12/25 here.

You know who else is a member of the New California State? Chriss Street.

Street is not only a voting member but is the Chief Financial Officer.  

Much like the controversial State of Jefferson, the New California State represents a far-right extremist secessionist movement. This group has garnered the attention of more prominent hate and extremist organizations, like the Hell Valley Proud Boys, amplifying its divisive agenda. Its members advocate for a dramatic political shift, fueled by an ideology that mirrors MAGA and Donald Trump. This rhetoric might resonate with a particular segment of the population, but it continues to polarize the social landscape of our community, making residents feel unsafe, uncomfortable, and LESS FREE.

Members of the New California State movement have actively sought to challenge the legitimacy of a recent free and fair election held in Shasta County. Following the results of the 2024 elections, Paul Preston and Patty Plumb—who is not only a New California State voting member but also serves on the Shasta County Elections Commission—joined forces and organized a town hall event aimed at impeding the certification of the election results until a hand recount was conducted. Preston and Plumb both reiterated that the current election process in California violates both state and federal laws. Attendees at the event were strongly encouraged to actively disrupt the certification process through bold public confrontations, which they would amplify for maximum impact through the media. The California Secretary of State made it clear that such disruptions would not alter the election's outcome. However, the group firmly challenged the legitimacy of the Secretary of State’s assertion, suggesting it could very well be tested in court. They also demanded that the Sheriff declare the elections office "a crime scene," citing clear violations of election laws. 

None of their efforts ever yielded credible evidence of election fraud. 

Clint Curtis, the appointed Shasta County Registrar of Voters, as seen here, is a voting member of the far-right secessionist movement, the New California State. 

This screenshot was taken from the New California State live feed of their election on July 12, 2025. In this picture, you can see Clint Curtis wearing a red shirt and Patty Plumb in an American flag top. 

VOTE HIM OUT!!

Is there anyone who truly believes that Shasta County can conduct free and fair elections when the registrar of voters is not only a proponent of conspiracy theories but also affiliated with a far-right organization advocating for California’s secession?

It’s hard to imagine, and clearly, Shasta Exposed shares that skepticism!

KNOWLEDGE IS POWER!

THE POWER IS IN YOUR VOTE!