California Governor Gavin Newsom and Arnold Schwarzenegger Clash Over Redistricting Reforms

Former California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, known for his role in 'Terminator,' is re-entering the political arena to advocate for redistricting reform. He criticized the redistricting in Texas and California, stating that it is driven by political party interests rather than the national interest. Schwarzenegger called for an end to gerrymandering, which he believes artificially manipulates electoral boundaries. In an interview with the New York Times, he clarified that his opposition to the redistricting is not about supporting President Trump but about ensuring that citizens lead the election district adjustment process. The redistricting in California is expected to add five more Democratic members to the House of Representatives, countering Texas's Republican-leaning redistricting, which also adds five seats.

President Barack Obama has endorsed California Governor Gavin Newsom's redistricting proposal, calling it a "smart, measured approach" designed to address a specific issue at a particular moment. Obama contrasted Newsom's approach with Texas, which he said is gerrymandering in the middle of the decade under the influence of a partisan White House to maintain political power. Obama expressed respect for Newsom's method in California, stating it is a fair and responsible response to actions by the Trump administration. California's process allows voters to have the final say on implementing new maps.

California Democrats have proposed new congressional maps that could potentially flip five Republican-held seats. In response, Arnold Schwarzenegger criticized the move, specifically targeting Governor Gavin Newsom. The proposed maps are a reaction to similar actions taken in Texas. Governor Newsom introduced a redistricting plan and an 'Election Rigging Response Act' legislative package, which could affect the number of House seats. Republicans in California have filed a lawsuit to block the redistricting plan. The long-term impacts of this gerrymandering attempt on congressional representation remain uncertain. If approved, the new maps will be used for three election cycles until the 2030 census. Assembly Constitutional Amendment 8 would allow redistricting if any state, including a blue state like Illinois, changes its districts between August 1, 2025, and January 1, 2031, and the change is not mandated by a federal court. Schwarzenegger has been advocating for redistricting reform, criticizing the gerrymandering in both Texas and California as serving political parties rather than the national interest.

California Governor Gavin Newsom announced that California will proceed with drawing new congressional maps, stating that the new maps will "END THE TRUMP PRESIDENCY" and enable Democrats to regain control of the U.S. House of Representatives. In a post made on Tuesday night, Newsom wrote in all caps, "DONALD TACO TRUMP, AS MANY CALL HIM, MISSED THE DEADLINE!!! CALIFORNIA WILL NOW DRAW NEW, MORE BEAUTIFUL MAPS, THEY WILL BE HISTORIC AS THEY WILL END THE TRUMP PRESIDENCY (DEMS TAKE BACK THE HOUSE!)." The announcement follows actions by Texas Republicans to redraw congressional maps, which could give Republicans between three and five additional seats in the upcoming midterm elections. California's legislature plans to release draft maps on Friday, according to a spokesperson for State Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas. Newsom made the announcement during a news conference in Sacramento, California, on August 8, 2025, accompanied by lawmakers from California and Texas.

California Governor Gavin Newsom and Democratic leaders in the state legislature are preparing an effort to redraw California's congressional maps in response to a Republican-led redistricting in Texas. The move is being positioned as a proportional response to the action by Texas Republicans, who introduced maps that could eliminate as many as five Democratic seats ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. A coalition opposing Newsom's effort has formed, including former Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, Charles Munger Jr., California Republicans, and the League of Women Voters. Any proposed new maps in California would require approval by a statewide referendum in November, with the legislature needing a two-thirds majority in both chambers to place the measure on the ballot. Newsom has announced a press conference on redistricting scheduled for Thursday at 11:30 a.m. PDT (2:30 p.m. EDT).

California Governor Gavin Newsom is in a dispute with former President Donald Trump over redistricting in Texas. Newsom has warned Trump that he will retaliate if the Texas GOP proceeds with new congressional maps. Newsom's strategy includes threats of tit-for-tat redistricting and public criticism of Trump, even targeting his health. The situation remains unresolved, with ongoing political and legal challenges.