1. Vermont
Vermont might seem like a peaceful haven of maple syrup and skiing, but it has a rebellious streak, according to Christopher Ketcham from TIME Magazine. The state was an independent republic from 1777 to 1791, before it joined the Union. That little-known fact laid the groundwork for the modern-day Second Vermont Republic, a movement that advocates peaceful secession. It even gained media attention in the 2000s.
Frustration over U.S. military actions and the dominance of big corporations fueled the group’s philosophy. Though small in numbers, the movement attracted intellectuals and grassroots support. It sees Vermont as culturally distinct and more in tune with certain European-style governance. And it’s rooted not in extremism but in old-school Yankee self-reliance.
2. California
Most people associate California with sunshine and tech startups, not rebellion—but the Golden State has flirted with secession more than once, according to the California State Library. In fact, the “Yes California” movement, often dubbed Calexit, gained serious momentum after the 2016 presidential election. The idea? That California’s economy is strong enough and its culture distinct enough to stand alone as a nation.
Even before that, the state toyed with breaking into multiple states under the Jefferson and Six Californias proposals. While not all of these movements explicitly aimed to leave the Union, they stem from a shared sense of political alienation. California’s size, diversity, and influence make it a recurring character in the secession conversation. And while it hasn’t gone anywhere (yet), the chatter never really dies.
3. Texas
If any state wears its independence like a badge of honor, it’s Texas. Before it was part of the U.S., Texas was its own republic from 1836 to 1845. That short stint gave rise to a deep-rooted belief that Texas could go solo again if it wanted to, according to Erick Trickey from Smithsonian Magazine. The modern Texas Nationalist Movement has kept that idea alive, pushing for a referendum on independence.
While the legal ability of a state to secede is widely dismissed by constitutional scholars, Texas still talks like it could. There have even been legislators who filed bills exploring “Texit.” The 2021 push was among the most high-profile in recent memory, sparked by growing dissatisfaction with federal policies. Whether it’s pride or politics, Texas has always liked the idea of calling its own shots.
4. Oregon
Oregon doesn’t often get lumped into secession talk, but it should, Kiran Moodley from The Guardian reports. In 2008, a group called the Cascadia Independence Project advocated for forming a new country from parts of Oregon, Washington, and British Columbia. The idea was based more on environmentalism and regional identity than politics. Still, the notion of breaking away from D.C. influence was very much part of the vision.
More recently, conservative counties in eastern Oregon have proposed joining Idaho instead. They argue they have more in common with Idahoans than with the liberal west coast. This kind of intra-state division reflects deep cultural rifts. Whether it’s joining a new state or starting a new country, Oregon’s had its share of “what if” moments.
5. South Carolina
South Carolina has the distinction of being the first state to secede before the Civil War, and that legacy hasn’t completely faded. While modern movements are far less intense, the state has hosted various “nullification” and “state sovereignty” groups over the years. These movements argue that South Carolina has a right to resist federal mandates. Some have even whispered about secession as a last resort.
The roots go back to the Nullification Crisis of the 1830s, when South Carolina nearly seceded over tariffs. That historical precedent feeds a long-standing belief in state rights and autonomy. Although no serious political figures are currently pushing for a break, the underlying sentiment persists. It’s more about cultural identity than actual political planning—but it’s still there.
6. Hawaii
Hawaii has one of the most compelling secession claims, given its unique path into U.S. statehood. The Hawaiian Kingdom was overthrown in 1893 in a U.S.-backed coup, and there’s still active debate about the legitimacy of the annexation. Native Hawaiian activists argue that the U.S. illegally occupied their sovereign nation. Some groups, like the Hawaiian Kingdom Government and Nation of Hawai’i, seek full restoration of independence.
These movements are deeply tied to cultural preservation and historical justice. Unlike many mainland secession efforts, Hawaiian sovereignty activism has significant grassroots and international support. The issue occasionally surfaces in United Nations forums and academic discussions. It’s not just political—it’s personal and ancestral for many.
7. New Hampshire
Live Free or Die isn’t just a catchy slogan in New Hampshire—it’s a mindset. The state has long attracted libertarians and small-government advocates, especially through the Free State Project. In 2022, a handful of legislators even introduced a constitutional amendment proposing secession from the U.S. It didn’t pass, but it wasn’t laughed off the floor, either.
The argument stems from a desire for minimal federal interference and stronger local control. Proponents often cite overreach by federal agencies as justification. Though most residents don’t support the idea, the culture of independence runs deep. In New Hampshire, liberty isn’t theoretical—it’s almost a religion.
8. Oklahoma
Oklahoma had its own independence flirtation during the Great Depression, in a movement known as the “State of Sequoyah.” It was originally aimed at creating a Native American-governed state, separate from the U.S. Later on, anti-federal sentiment bubbled up again during the “Tenther” movement in the 2000s. This crowd emphasized the 10th Amendment as a legal basis for more state autonomy—sometimes to the point of secession talk.
The idea gained traction among groups that felt the federal government had grown too powerful. These weren’t just fringe voices; some state lawmakers voiced sympathy. While Oklahoma hasn’t seriously pushed to leave the Union, these episodes reflect a deeper desire for independence. Especially when federal policies clash with local values, the idea tends to resurface.
9. Florida
Florida’s modern secession talk is more quirky than revolutionary, but it’s out there. After contentious elections and hurricanes, some residents have floated splitting the state in two or even leaving the U.S. entirely. In 2015, a man from South Florida filed paperwork with the federal government to “withdraw” the region and form a new state. It was dismissed, of course, but it wasn’t a total one-off.
The cultural divide between North and South Florida is real—and it plays into these ideas. Some believe that urban, coastal areas are too different from the panhandle and rural interior. Add in tourism-driven economies and immigration issues, and you get a recipe for regional frustration. Secession might not be feasible, but the sentiment is rooted in real tension.
10. Alaska
Alaska joined the United States in 1959, but not without a bit of grumbling. The Alaska Independence Party was founded in 1973 and once had a governor elected under its banner—Walter Hickel, in 1990. The party originally supported a vote on whether Alaskans wanted to be independent, rejoin Russia, or remain a U.S. state. While it has since moderated, independence talk still simmers under the surface.
Part of the appeal is Alaska’s geographic isolation and abundant natural resources. Some residents feel their needs are misunderstood or ignored by lawmakers in D.C. That sense of distance fosters the idea that Alaska might be better off managing its own affairs. It’s not mainstream, but the idea has never quite died out.
11. Louisiana
Louisiana has a rich cultural identity that often feels distinct from the rest of the U.S. That uniqueness has occasionally spilled over into independence talk, particularly from fringe nationalist groups. In the 1990s, the “Republic of Louisiana” movement briefly gained media attention with calls for sovereignty. Their argument hinged on the idea that Louisiana’s French and Creole heritage gave it a basis for a separate national identity.
The movement didn’t gain political traction, but it was taken seriously enough to earn an FBI watch. At its core, it was less about politics and more about cultural preservation. Still, it shows how a strong local identity can morph into talk of breaking away. Even if it’s not a mainstream idea, it’s never completely gone.
12. Nevada
Nevada’s libertarian streak has made it fertile ground for independence-minded rhetoric. Back in the early 1990s, the state briefly considered legislation that would give it more autonomy from the federal government. Some rural counties even flirted with secession from Nevada itself, angry over federal land use policies. It wasn’t about leaving the U.S., but it was very much about breaking ties.
The Sagebrush Rebellion, a broader movement in the West, had roots in Nevada. This rebellion was aimed at reducing federal control of public lands—an issue that still simmers today. These tensions often spill into talk of states’ rights and sovereignty. Nevada might not want out of the Union, but it definitely wants the Union out of its business.
13. Wisconsin
You wouldn’t peg Wisconsin as a hotbed of rebellion, but you’d be surprised. In 2006, a small but vocal group called the Republic of Lakotah declared its independence—and it included parts of Wisconsin, along with four other states. While largely symbolic, the movement was rooted in Native American sovereignty and historical treaties. It argued that the U.S. had violated its own agreements with Indigenous nations.
Additionally, Wisconsin has seen its own nullification efforts over federal gun laws and healthcare mandates. While not secessionist per se, these efforts echo the logic that underpins separation movements. There’s a quiet undercurrent of dissatisfaction that pops up when national politics feel too intrusive. It’s not about leaving tomorrow—but the thought has crossed some minds.
