The YesCalifornia Independence Campaign, globally recognized as CalExit, will officially dissolve its board of directors, terminate all political activities, and shut down its political action committee effective 11:59 p.m. on December 31, 2024. Moving forward, any efforts to advocate for California’s secession or independence referenda will not be affiliated with or sanctioned by YesCalifornia or the CalExit campaign.
This decision follows years of reflection on a campaign that ultimately became more of a showcase for personal delusions and ambitions than a serious political effort. Among the leadership, some individuals, while grounded in reality, adopted a “fake it until you make it” philosophy to sustain the illusion of momentum. After all, politics is perception.
Others, entirely consumed by their own fantasies, convinced themselves that California’s independence was not only achievable but imminent. One individual in particular epitomized this fantasy-driven mindset, mistaking personal conviction for a mandate and wishful thinking for strategy. Desperately clinging to a past that does not exist in the future, this person fails to recognize that it is time to let go. Even as YesCalifornia formally disbands, this individual continues to chase the mirage of California independence, misguided by the belief that sheer determination can turn fiction into reality.
The reality is that a political campaign requires not only persistence and determination, but a political base of supporters that believe in the cause to such an extent that they are prepared to contribute their time, energy, and resources to that cause. While there is support for an independent California as a thought experiment, YesCalifornia and all associated CalExit campaigns have faced the same struggle motivating those who believe in the concept of an independent California to take action to bring that concept to fruition.
Thus, in practical terms, and after nine years, we conclude that there is no real base of political support for this effort. Any questions about the CalExit campaign or our withdrawn California Independence Plebiscite ballot measure should be sent via the form below, or addressed directly to president@yescalifornia.org.