Former California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger is stepping back into the state's politics with a fierce warning for Gov. Gavin Newsom (D). He said that Newsom's plan to redraw the state’s congressional map is nothing short of “evil," accusing the governor of trying to rig the system for partisan gain, calling the proposed changes a blatant power grab that would silence voters and entrench Democrat control.
According to his spokesperson, Schwarzenegger believes it's "truly evil" for politicians to take power from the people. While in office, the actor supported two constitutional amendments that removed redistricting power from lawmakers and handed it to an independent commission—reflecting his long-standing opposition to gerrymandering.
"He calls gerrymandering evil, and he means that,” Spokesman Daniel Ketchell said in a statement. “He thinks it’s truly evil for politicians to take power from people. He’s opposed to what Texas is doing, and he’s opposed to the idea that California would race to the bottom to do the same thing.”
Newsom is reportedly planning on pushing to redraw California’s U.S. House maps ahead of the midterm elections, aiming to counter Republican redistricting efforts in Texas. However, because this would overturn reforms backed by Arnold Schwarzenegger that gave map-drawing power to an independent commission, it requires voter approval. Newsom says he’s confident he can get the two-thirds vote needed to put the issue on a special-election ballot this November. In response, Schwarzenegger is preparing to lead a “No” campaign, joined by groups like the League of Women Voters and California Common Cause, who helped pass the original redistricting reforms.
Earlier this week, the governor announced that California Democrats plan to redraw the state’s congressional map. Still, he said the move depends on whether Texas Republicans proceed with their own redistricting efforts. If Texas backs off, Newsom indicated California might not move forward either.
