Former California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger is preparing to fight Governor Gavin Newsom‘s redistricting plan, even as his longtime friend and Twins co-star Danny DeVito has come out in support of it.
Newsweek has contacted representatives of Schwarzenegger, DeVito and Newsom for comment via email.
Why It Matters
With Republicans in Texas pushing aggressively partisan maps, California Democrats are now seeking to abandon their own independent commission in retaliation. The outcome could flip several House seats and reshape control of Congress in 2026.
What To Know
Schwarzenegger, who as governor of the Golden State from 2003 to 2011, championed the state’s independent redistricting commission, has long called gerrymandering “the evil of politics” and “an attack on the people’s choice.” He said he plans to defend the system he helped build, even if it inadvertently helps President Donald Trump and hurts Newsom.
“It’s nothing personal,” Schwarzenegger said in an interview with The New York Times, stressing that his disagreement would not affect his relationship with the governor. “He was kind enough to let me know what he’s up to and how he feels. I told him: ‘I totally get it. I understand it.’ I said, ‘There’s no effect on our relationship.’”
He added that he didn’t buy the argument that California should take part in redistricting because other states are. “We are not going to go into a stinking contest with a skunk,” he said. “We are moving forward.”
“I hate the idea of the Republicans redrawing the district lines in Texas, as much as I hate what the Californians are trying to do,” Schwarzenegger said. “But I’m thinking now about California, and about the people of California.
“I promised them that we are going to create a commission that would be independent of the politicians, and there will be an independent citizens commission drawing the lines. So I’m not going to go back on my promise. I’m going to fight for my promise.”
DeVito has publicly backed Newsom’s plan, contributing $1,000 to the governor’s campaign, according to an election filing.
Newsom’s team has even leaned into the Twins connection, circulating a meme of a scene from the 1988 film mocked up to show DeVito’s character presenting Schwarzenegger’s with a “YES ON 50” graphic.
Newsom has framed his redistricting push as a response to Republican efforts in Texas, where Governor Greg Abbott, backed by Trump, convened a special legislative session to pass new GOP-friendly maps ahead of the 2026 midterms.
“Look, what we’re doing neuters, neutralizes what’s happening in Texas. People have this chance with this ballot—November 4—is stand up to the rule of law, stand up for coequal branches of government, stand up to, yes, Donald Trump, but also stand up in the spirit that defines this moment to people being bullied and people being intimidated,” Newsom said last week.
The Election Rigging Response Act would bypass California’s independent redistricting commission and implement Democratic-drawn maps until 2030, potentially flipping up to five Republican seats. The proposal passed both chambers of the legislature in August and will go before voters in a special election on November 4.
What People Are Saying
Andrew Mahaleris, press secretary for Texas Governor Greg Abbott previously told Newsweek: “California has one of the most gerrymandered maps in America—only nine of 52 congressional seats are Republican, even though nearly 40 percent of California voters chose President Trump. Not to mention, an overwhelming majority of Californians oppose this plan. Newsom and California Democrats are doing nothing more than posturing for his 2028 pipe dream.”
California Governor Gavin Newsom wrote on X: “I just signed the Election Rigging Response Act to put Proposition 50 up for a vote on November 4th. The people of California will have the power to push back against Texas and any other state that obeys [Donald Trump]’s demand to rig the next election.”
Texas Governor Greg Abbott wrote on X: “Thanks to the unflappable [state Representative Todd Hunter] for leading the fight on the Texas House floor—beating back all of the absurd false arguments by the Democrats. His experience in dealing with redistricting litigation will ensure that the BIG BEAUTIFUL MAP will be upheld when it gets to court.”
President Donald Trump wrote on Truth Social: “Gavin Newscum is way down in the polls. He is viewed as the man who is destroying the once Great State of California. I will save California!!! President DJT.”
What Happens Next
California voters will decide on November 4 whether to approve maps that would apply in 2026, 2028 and 2030—contingent on Republican-led states redrawing their lines first. Since 2010, California’s maps have been drawn by an independent citizen commission.
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