Modoc County Residents Resist Redistricting Proposal Linking Them to Marin

Residents of Modoc County, California, are expressing strong opposition to a proposed redistricting plan that would connect them with the affluent Marin County, home to some of the state’s most liberal voters. The plan, spearheaded by Democratic Governor Gavin Newsom, is part of a strategy to create additional Democratic congressional seats in response to Republican efforts in Texas.

Currently, Modoc County, which has a population of approximately 8,500 and is predominantly Republican, could be merged into a district that stretches over 200 miles to the Pacific Coast. This shift would mean that Republican Congressman Doug LaMalfa may lose his seat, as he would be representing a vastly different constituency.

Local rancher Amie Martinez voiced her frustration, stating, “It’s like a smack in the face. How could you put Marin County with Modoc County? It’s just a different perspective.” The proposed changes have ignited outrage among residents who feel that their rural interests will be overshadowed by urban priorities, particularly in areas like water management and agricultural policies.

Modoc County’s residents, who voted 78% in favor of recalling Governor Newsom, view the redistricting proposal as an affront to their values and interests. Many see it as a political maneuver fueled by Newsom’s ambitions, undermining rural representation and diluting conservative voting power in a traditional Republican stronghold.

Local officials, including County Supervisor Geri Byrne, have declared their opposition to the ballot measure known as Proposition 50, which will appear on voters’ ballots on November 4, 2025. Byrne described the resolution as a message about the urban-rural divide rather than purely a conservative-liberal issue. “It just feels like an assault on rural California,” she said, emphasizing the frustration felt by many in her community.

The proposed redistricting would not only affect Modoc County but could also have broader implications for neighboring rural areas. With registered Republicans statewide outnumbered nearly two-to-one by Democrats, many residents feel their voices are increasingly marginalized in the political landscape. Tim Babcock, a general store owner in Lassen County, noted the difficulty of combating such changes, stating, “It’ll be very hard to fight back.”

In the past, Modoc County has made headlines for its rebellious spirit, including a declaration in 2013 to secede from California and form the “State of Jefferson.” Local sentiment reflects a deep-seated distrust of both major political parties, as residents grapple with issues like forest management and wildfire risks, which they believe have been exacerbated by inconsistent federal policies.

Despite the challenges, some local Democrats, like Nancy Richardson, have voiced support for the redistricting, albeit with reservations regarding its costs. Richardson noted the proposal would incur expenses of up to $280 million for the statewide election but argued for its necessity to counteract Republican influence in Texas.

As discussions around Proposition 50 intensify, the political landscape in Modoc County remains fraught with tension. The implications of these changes could reshape not only local representation but also the core values and priorities of communities in rural California.

Democratic Congressman Jared Huffman, who represents Marin County, has stated his commitment to working diligently to represent the new constituents if the redistricting is approved. He acknowledged the geographic challenges of representing a district that spans such a large area but expressed a willingness to engage with diverse constituents.

The future of Modoc County and its representation in Congress hangs in the balance as residents prepare for the upcoming vote on Proposition 50. Many are left wondering how their needs will be met in a district that may prioritize urban concerns over the rural issues that have long defined their way of life.