Schwarzenegger Condemns Partisan Redistricting Effort in California, Warns of Democratic Backsliding
Los Angeles, CA – Former California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger delivered a scathing rebuke Monday of Proposition 50, a ballot measure that would allow the state legislature to redraw congressional districts, effectively undoing the work of an self-reliant commission. Speaking to hundreds of students at the University of Southern California during an event celebrating the International Day of Democracy, Schwarzenegger argued the measure represents a hazardous erosion of democratic principles.
“They are trying to fight for democracy by getting rid of the democratic principles of california,” Schwarzenegger stated, calling the effort “insane.” He urged students to vote against Proposition 50 in the upcoming November special election.
The proposed redistricting, championed by Governor Gavin Newsom, is widely expected to favor Democrats and bolster California’s portrayal in Congress – a move framed as a response to aggressive redistricting efforts by Republican-led states like Texas. However,Schwarzenegger warned against fighting partisan fire with partisan fire.
“They want to dismantle this independent commission.They want to get rid of it under the auspices of we have to fight Trump,” he saeid. “It doesn’t make any sense to me because we have to fight Trump, [yet] we become Trump.”
Schwarzenegger has been a long-time advocate for non-partisan redistricting, prioritizing the creation of the independent commission during his final year in office. He recognized four former members of the commission at the USC event, underscoring his commitment to the principle of impartial district drawing. He explained that his interest in the process stemmed from witnessing how politicians routinely manipulated district lines to protect their own power, rather than represent voters.
The former governor’s remarks, captured by the anti-Proposition 50 campaign, are likely to feature prominently in upcoming television advertisements. Meanwhile, student Democrats outside the event were actively campaigning in favor of the measure, highlighting the deep divisions surrounding the issue.
Schwarzenegger also took time to reflect on the recent tragic shooting of conservative activist Charlie Kirk in Utah, using the event as a somber reminder of the fragility of democracy. He described Kirk as a skilled communicator who connected with young peopel, even those who disagreed with him, and lamented the loss of a life taken due to political differences.
“That someone’s life was taken as they had a different opinion, I mean it’s