Additional Coverage:
- Arnold Schwarzenegger goes after Gavin Newsom as he vows to ‘return power to the people’ (irishstar.com)
Former California Governor Schwarzenegger Criticizes Newsom’s Gerrymandering Stance
Sacramento, CA – A war of words has erupted between current California Governor Gavin Newsom and his predecessor, Arnold Schwarzenegger, over the contentious issue of gerrymandering. The clash comes amidst Newsom’s vocal opposition to efforts by some Republican-led states, notably Texas, to redraw congressional districts in ways that critics argue favor the GOP. Newsom has suggested California might employ similar tactics to counteract this trend, a move Schwarzenegger has publicly condemned.
Schwarzenegger, in an Instagram post, declared, “F— the politicians. Terminate gerrymandering,” a sentiment his chief of staff confirmed was aimed at both Republican and Democratic attempts to manipulate district lines.
Schwarzenegger’s team emphasized the former governor’s long-standing opposition to gerrymandering, regardless of which party engages in it, arguing that “two wrongs don’t make a right.” They reiterated Schwarzenegger’s commitment to empowering voters, not politicians.
Despite their disagreement on this issue, Schwarzenegger maintained that his relationship with Newsom remains unaffected. He acknowledged his disapproval of both the redistricting efforts in Texas and California’s proposed countermeasures. However, Schwarzenegger reaffirmed his commitment to upholding his promise to Californians to maintain an independent citizens’ commission for drawing district lines.
Newsom, meanwhile, defended his stance, arguing that fighting fire with fire is the only practical response to what he perceives as a serious threat to democracy. Newsom’s team stressed the urgency of the situation, characterizing the actions of “Trump and his Texas cronies” as an attempt to “rig the 2026 election.”
They maintain that extraordinary circumstances demand a forceful response. Despite the escalating rhetoric, both sides seem determined to address the issue of gerrymandering, albeit with drastically different approaches.