Cotton Wood

During a talk at OK Coralbar in this historic Stagecoach town on Tuesday night, Obey Hayes, a retired nurse aged 77, captured the sentiment of many when discussing Gavin Newsom’s rezoning proposals. She expressed a common frustration: “I don’t want the Democrats around me. They’ve gone too far in controlling us. We have no say in anything.”

Nearby, another attendee, wearing cowboy boots, nodded in agreement. He described his day spent fixing a goat’s pen, emphasizing, “The Barons in charge need to understand where their food comes from.” Like many in Shasta County and surrounding areas, he preferred to remain anonymous.

California’s 1st Congressional District is notably extensive, stretching south from the Oregon border almost to Sacramento—larger than Massachusetts or Maryland. This region, dominated by farms and forests, has a landscape dotted with rivers, peach fields, and cattle, where containing resources like water and forest management are major concerns—especially after recent fires.

This area has a strong Republican presence, with Rep. Doug Ramalfa, a rice farmer from Oroville and staunch Trump supporter, representing the district for twelve years.

Now, if voters support the proposed constituency changes in November, Ramalfa’s Republican stronghold may be divided into three parts, potentially allowing Democrat votes to dominate. The northern section would merge with a coastal district extending to the Golden Gate Bridge, while the southern part would split into two districts linked to the Bay Area and Wine Country.

As power dynamics shift, tensions have emerged. Following actions by figures like Trump and Texas Governor Greg Abbott concerning congressional maps, Newsom suggested he might also redraw California’s lines to favor Democrats. The California Legislature could soon approve new maps that could dilute Republican influence if changes in Texas take place.

As this political battle unfolds, voters in Northern California find themselves at the center of this debate.

From Marysville to Reading, individuals—including some who identify as Democrats—expressed frustration over urban legislators imposing policies on rural areas. “Their needs and desires are totally different from ours,” remarked Pamela Davis, 40, while loading groceries into her SUV with her children, excitedly talking about farm animals at home.

Davis, a supporter of Ramalfa, pointed out that voters in cities often overlook the significance of water regulations that impact agriculture: “We’re growing food here for everyone. Water is always an issue. It needs to be at the forefront.”

Residents in these northern regions have long felt overshadowed by California’s liberal leadership. This area tends to be whiter, more rural, and poorer than the rest of the state. They voice ongoing concerns about how their rights regarding property, grazing, and water are often disregarded. The high taxes and cost of living have led some to advocate for secession and the creation of a “Jefferson State.”

Amid the contentious atmosphere surrounding the rezoning proposal, some locals, including Ramalfa, worry that passing it could intensify existing frustrations. Even some who oppose Trump and Ramalfa while supporting the district changes are concerned about diluting rural votes.

Gail Mandaville, 76, at Chico’s book club meeting, expressed her support for the rezoning but admitted fears about the nation’s trajectory: “I commend Newsom for taking a stand.”

Kim Heekel, 58, while echoing Mandaville’s sentiments, doubted urban officials could adequately represent agricultural interests: “I’m sorry, but they don’t understand farmland. We need farmers.”

Meanwhile, Rebecca Willi, 74, lamented that if Texas proceeds with its rezoning, any resulting changes will be detrimental: “Everything we support will be gone.”

In an interview, Ramalfa predicted California voters would likely reject the rezoning plan, declaring, “We won’t go down without a fight.” However, if it were to pass, he feared his constituents would be neglected: “Politicians from the new district will cater to Bay Area voters, far from our needs.”

He highlighted ongoing issues, such as wolves threatening livestock on ranches, noting, “If we’re rezoned, we won’t be able to keep the dogs at bay, let alone the wolves.”