Arnold Schwarzenegger Battles Newsom Over ‘Truly Evil’ Practice After Retirement

The political arena in California is witnessing an extraordinary showdown as former Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger mobilizes against current Governor Gavin Newsom’s controversial plan to redraw congressional districts. This high-stakes battle pits California’s political past against its present in a fight over electoral integrity that could reshape America’s political landscape.

Why is Schwarzenegger Fighting Newsom’s Redistricting Plan?

Schwarzenegger, the Republican architect of California’s independent redistricting commission, has launched a fierce campaign against what he labels “evil” gerrymandering tactics. Newsom’s proposal seeks to place a redistricting measure on the November ballot that would enable California to redraw U.S. House maps before midterms – a direct countermove against Republican-led gerrymandering in Texas. According to Schwarzenegger’s spokesperson Daniel Ketchell: “He calls gerrymandering evil, and he means that. He thinks it’s truly evil for politicians to take power from people.” This stance aligns with nonpartisan organizations like the League of Women Voters and California Common Cause, who’ve already challenged Newsom’s proposal.

Implementing Newsom’s plan requires dismantling constitutional amendments Schwarzenegger championed through Propositions 11 (2008) and 20 (2010), necessitating voter approval. The former governor views this as an assault on his legacy of removing district-drawing authority from politicians and placing it with independent commissions – reforms he later advocated for in Michigan, Colorado, Virginia, and Ohio.

Unlikely Alliances Form in Redistricting Battle

The conflict is creating strange political bedfellows. Schwarzenegger, who endorsed Kamala Harris and frequently criticized Donald Trump, may find himself campaigning alongside Trump supporters despite their opposing motivations. While Republicans might oppose a Democratic gerrymander for partisan reasons, Schwarzenegger’s mission remains firmly rooted in defending nonpartisan processes.

Key to this effort is renewed financial backing from philanthropist Charles Munger Jr., the primary benefactor of Schwarzenegger’s original redistricting measures. Munger has reportedly begun commissioning polls and focus groups as he reassembles a ballot campaign team. This funding could prove crucial against Newsom, who expressed confidence about securing the legislative supermajority needed to place the measure on the ballot despite mounting opposition.

What California’s Redistricting Fight Means for National Politics

The outcome extends beyond California, potentially setting a precedent for how states respond to opposing parties’ gerrymandering tactics. As one Twitter user noted: “If Texas moves forward, then California has every right to redistricting” – encapsulating the retaliatory mindset Schwarzenegger seeks to prevent. His crusade represents a rare issue transcending typical partisan divides, focusing instead on systemic election integrity.

Newsom’s administration contends the move counters Republican advantages, but Schwarzenegger maintains that combating gerrymandering with more gerrymandering undermines democracy itself. As both sides prepare for a costly ballot battle, California voters face a fundamental question: Should electoral boundaries serve politicians or people?

The fate of fair elections hangs in the balance as California’s political titans collide over gerrymandering. Schwarzenegger’s defense of nonpartisan redistricting confronts Newsom’s realpolitik maneuvering in a battle that could redefine American democracy. Stay informed on this developing political earthquake.

Must Know

What is gerrymandering?
Gerrymandering manipulates electoral district boundaries to favor a political party. It creates unevenly shaped districts concentrating opposition voters or diluting their influence, undermining fair representation. Both parties employ it nationwide.

Why does Schwarzenegger oppose Newsom’s plan?
Schwarzenegger considers gerrymandering fundamentally undemocratic, having established California’s independent redistricting commission. He opposes retaliatory gerrymandering regardless of party, believing politicians shouldn’t choose voters.

How did Schwarzenegger change California’s redistricting?
Through Propositions 11 (2008) and 20 (2010), he transferred redistricting authority from legislators to a citizen commission. This ended decades of partisan map-drawing in America’s largest state.

Who supports Schwarzenegger’s opposition?
Key original supporters like the League of Women Voters and California Common Cause back his stance. Philanthropist Charles Munger Jr. is funding the opposition campaign, mirroring his support for Schwarzenegger’s initial reforms.

When could voters decide this issue?
Newsom aims to place the measure on a November 2025 special election ballot. He needs two-thirds legislative approval first.

How does Texas factor into this conflict?
Newsom’s proposal directly responds to Republican gerrymandering in Texas. Schwarzenegger opposes both states’ tactics, arguing reciprocity undermines electoral integrity.