Democrats now outpace Republicans in supporting state secession, flipping the script after Trump’s 2024 victory and shattering partisan stereotypes.
YouGov Poll Reveals Shift in Secession Sentiment
A YouGov survey conducted in May 2026 polled 27,000 U.S. adults on state secession. Overall support stands at 20%, a decline from 25% in 2024. Republicans drove the drop, with their favorability falling 15 points to 14%. Democrats rose to 22%, especially 28% in states Kamala Harris carried in 2024. This reverses 2024 trends where Republicans led. Common sense dictates that election outcomes influence such views—Trump’s win satisfied GOP base while alienating some Democrats.
New York Senator Floats Canada Merger as Provocation
New York State Sen. Liz Krueger suggested her state secede to join Canada if President-elect Trump slashes federal funding to sanctuary jurisdictions. New York sends over $360 billion annually to Washington. Krueger called it a “joke” to Fox News but stressed the funding threat’s seriousness. Pre-election, she told City & State NY that New York could become Canada’s “southern province” alongside Quebec and Ontario. Republicans mocked the idea as desperate post-election bluster.
Politico captured Krueger reiterating the proposal post-Trump’s November 2024 win. She urged thinking “outside the box” like Trump’s deportation plans. This rhetoric emerged amid fears of withheld funds, but no formal actions followed. Such comments highlight blue-state frustration, yet they lack legal grounding under Texas v. White, which deems unilateral secession unconstitutional.
Intra-State Secession Efforts Target Rural-Urban Divides
Voters in 13 Oregon counties approved measures to join Idaho, seeking alignment with conservative values against Portland’s dominance. Seven Illinois counties similarly voted last November for a new state, escaping Chicago’s policies. These non-binding ballots reflect polarization but stall at Democratic governors’ vetoes, like Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker. Florida’s legislature overrode Ron DeSantis on funding, signaling state-federal tensions.
Texas GOP pushes symbolic Texit resolutions, while Calexit faded post-2016. These movements prioritize value-matching over full independence. Mike McCaw of Greater Idaho calls boundary adjustments a “win-win” for reducing conflict. Facts show these efforts remain local and rhetorical, far from national upheaval.
Dems Want to SECEDE as Entire States TURN RED in Massive MAGA WAVE!!! https://t.co/YBhIanBd7b
— Dr. Steve Turley (@DrTurleyTalks) May 8, 2026
What Secession Supporters Envision Post-Split
Among all Americans, 34% want their state to form a new country alone or with others if seceding; 14% prefer joining Canada, 2% Mexico. Secession backers lean stronger: 57% favor independence, 20% Canada. Democrats who support secession choose Canada five times more than Republicans (31% vs. 6%). Border states show higher interest in northern or southern neighbors.
Only 27% believe states have a general right to secede via popular vote; 39% oppose it outright. Secession fans overwhelmingly affirm the right at 82%. This fringe sentiment underscores distrust but poses no immediate threat. Conservative principles affirm the Union’s perpetuity, as Supreme Court precedent demands consent for change.
Sources:
How many Americans want their state to secede – YouGov
Top NY Dem ridiculed for floating secession to Canada over Trump return – Fox News
Secession Schemes Within the States – Governing Magazine
Secession in the United States – Wikipedia
Another election is coming and Trump is in his last term. I can see it now, knee jerk reactions and secession and when what’s left of the US elects the next dem president (I hope not) they will then want them all back in and knowing the dem way, it might be forcefully. Our country ebb and flows with each cycle. with a nearly 30 year career in the military you definitely see it and feel it. Dems need to get over themselves, fix the reasons people are not voting for them and continue on.