Schwarzenegger Back In Politics
Former California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger is stepping back into the spotlight, warning voters about Gov. Gavin Newsom’s latest power grab on redistricting. The former Republican governor and Hollywood legend says Democrats are trying to rig the system to lock in more seats for their party.
Schwarzenegger Says “Terminate Gerrymandering”
Schwarzenegger has joined forces with Republican leaders and reform advocates to stop Newsom’s proposal, which would bypass California’s independent redistricting commission. That commission—created under Schwarzenegger’s leadership—was designed to ensure fair elections and prevent politicians from drawing maps to benefit themselves.
Now, Newsom and California Democrats want to scrap it, at least temporarily, with a ballot measure that could hand them up to five new House seats. Schwarzenegger isn’t buying the excuse that the move is “temporary.” He says it’s nothing more than a scheme to tilt the playing field.
“This is not serving the people—it is serving the party,” Schwarzenegger said.
California Democrats Push Rigged Maps
Gov. Newsom insists his plan will “protect democracy,” but critics call it what it is: election manipulation. Political experts say the proposal mirrors Democrats’ nationwide strategy to undermine Republican gains.
California Republicans are fighting back hard. The state GOP has filed multiple legal petitions to stop the measure, while lawmakers warn that Democrats are weaponizing redistricting to silence conservative voices.
Former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy and GOP donor Charlie Munger Jr. are also backing Schwarzenegger in the fight. And President Trump has promised lawsuits, vowing to expose Democrats’ hypocrisy on election integrity.
A Legacy on the Line
For Schwarzenegger, the fight is personal. During his two terms as governor, he pushed through historic reforms in 2008 and 2010 that took redistricting out of the hands of Sacramento politicians. Now, he sees that work under direct attack.
“It’s very wrong what they’re trying to do in California,” Schwarzenegger told reporters. “I promised voters fairness—and I will keep that promise.”
To raise awareness, he’s even promoting a “Terminate Gerrymandering” campaign, selling shirts to rally voters behind the cause. Proceeds are supporting efforts in both California and Texas to keep redistricting fair.
Millions Already Pouring In
The battle over Proposition 50 is shaping up to be one of the most expensive ballot measure campaigns in California history. More than $13 million has already been raised in support of Newsom’s plan, with $10 million raised in opposition.
Republican leaders say this fight isn’t just about California—it’s about protecting free and fair elections nationwide.
What’s at Stake This Fall
California Democrats are framing the ballot fight as a referendum on President Trump, but Republicans see it as a test of whether voters will allow one-party control to rewrite the rules of democracy.
For conservatives, the message is clear: if Democrats succeed, independent redistricting could be gutted for years to come.
This November’s special election will decide whether voters protect fair elections—or allow Gavin Newsom and California Democrats to permanently rig the system.
