Former California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger is gearing up for a political fight reminiscent of his action-movie days — and his target is Governor Gavin Newsom’s controversial plan to sideline California’s nonpartisan redistricting commission.
On Friday, Schwarzenegger posted on social media a photo of himself lifting weights, wearing a T-shirt emblazoned with the words “Terminate Gerrymandering.” Alongside the image, he wrote, “I’m getting ready for the gerrymandering battle.”
The move signals Schwarzenegger’s entry into a bitter partisan showdown over redistricting in the nation’s most populous state.
Newsom’s Bold Plan
Newsom, flanked by Democratic leaders in Los Angeles, unveiled his redistricting strategy this week. The plan seeks to redraw California’s congressional maps mid-decade — an unusual but not unprecedented maneuver — with the goal of creating as many as five additional Democratic-leaning House seats.
Framing his push as a direct response to Republicans’ efforts in Texas, Newsom declared, “Today is liberation day in the state of California. Donald Trump, you have poked the bear, and we will punch back.”
The California governor insisted Democrats would “meet fire with fire,” arguing that Trump personally pressed Texas officials to engineer GOP-friendly districts.
California vs. Texas: A National Power Struggle
The redistricting clash is part of a larger national battle. Republicans, under Trump’s urging, are seeking to reshape Texas maps in their favor, hoping to secure up to five new GOP-held districts ahead of the 2026 midterms.
For Newsom, the fight is about preventing Trump and Republicans from locking in long-term control of the House. But unlike Texas, California faces a constitutional hurdle: undoing the independent redistricting commission requires voter approval.
That’s why Newsom is calling for a special statewide election to amend the state constitution and allow the legislature to temporarily take over the map-drawing process.
Opposition Mounts
Republicans have blasted Newsom’s plan. The National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC) accused him of shredding California’s constitution and “trampling over democracy” for partisan gain.
But the backlash isn’t coming only from the GOP. Critics argue that California’s nonpartisan redistricting commission — created over 15 years ago — has broad public support, and undermining it could spark a political firestorm.
Enter Schwarzenegger.
Schwarzenegger’s Counterpunch
As the state’s last Republican governor and a long-time opponent of gerrymandering, Schwarzenegger’s high-profile resistance could rally bipartisan pushback against Newsom’s plan.
He reminded his followers that the redistricting commission was built to protect voters from political manipulation — and vowed not to let it be “terminated” for partisan advantage.
With Newsom positioning himself as a possible 2028 presidential contender, the redistricting fight doubles as both a legal and political battle, with massive fundraising and national attention already in play.
What Comes Next
California Democrats believe they have the votes in the legislature to advance the measure as early as next week. If successful, voters would decide in a special election whether to grant Newsom and lawmakers temporary authority over redistricting for the next three election cycles — before reinstating the independent commission after the 2030 census.
For now, the showdown looms large: Newsom pushing for political firepower, and Schwarzenegger, ever the “Terminator,” preparing to strike back.
