If They Seceded From the Union, Which American States Could Survive?

"In recent months, several counties in Illinois have voted to leave the state and join neighboring Indiana. Since 2020, a total of 33 Illinois counties have shown interest in breaking away, with seven-Calhoun, Clinton, Greene, Iroquois, Jersey, Madison, and Perry- approving secession measures in November 2024. In February 2025 the Indiana House approved HB 1008 (69-25), introduced by House Speaker Todd Huston, which would create a commission to study adding Illinois counties to Indiana."

"As political tension escalates under a second Trump administration, a new Leger poll reveals that 20% of Americans want the state they reside in to secede from the union and join our northern neighbor, Canada. However, that is unlikely to happen amid rising US and Canada tensions, tariff negotiations, and statements from Canada's new prime minister, Mark Carney, emphasizing the nation's economic independence from the United States."

"If a state did manage to separate itself from the U.S., the primary possibility may be Texas, due to several factors, including its unique history regarding independence. Because the sprawling state of Texas is home to a large population and a significant economy, it could conceivably run its own government. Similarly, California's large swath of land and huge economic standing give it the potential to survive on its own."

Several Illinois counties recently voted to leave Illinois and join Indiana, with 33 counties showing interest since 2020 and seven approving secession measures in November 2024. The Indiana House approved HB 1008 in February 2025 to study adding Illinois counties to Indiana. A Leger poll found 20% of Americans want their state to secede and join Canada, though rising tensions and Canadian statements about economic independence make that unlikely. An April 2025 AP-NORC poll found fewer Americans view Canada as a close ally. Texas and California have the size and economies that could conceivably sustain independent governance.

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