The following is part of my continued series of letters on potential candidates for the 51st state in the Union. In a previous letter to the editor from August 21st, 2020, I listed several potential new states that in the Pacific Northwest. One of those Eastern Oregon or Oregon’s second congressional district which currently has around 841,000 residents putting behind South Dakota in population but ahead of North Dakota. In terms of land mass, the second congressional district of Oregon is around 69,491 square miles which would put it in 17th place if it was admitted into the Union. This would also put it behind South Dakota in size but slightly ahead of North Dakota. If admitted as a state, it would have three electoral votes and would put another state in the red column on presidential election night and in the U.S. Senate since it has been a solid red district since 1999.
Since Oregon is going to gain a sixth congressional seat due to the recent U.S. Census, it remains to be seen what the new congressional boundaries would be for that state. But with the residents of several counties (Sherman, Lake,?Grant, Baker, Malheur, Union, Jefferson) in eastern, central and southern Oregon wanting to join the state of Idaho as part of the Greater Idaho movement. There is definite sentiment in this area to be independent of the rest of Oregon.
My next letters in this series will be on the Portland-Salem area, the state of Jefferson, Cascadia or Eastern Washing, the state of Lincoln or Northern?Idaho. Plus, information on proposals for a combined state of New Idaho or Greater Idaho.
