Former California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger strongly pushed back against Governor Gavin Newsom’s assertion that a major redistricting proposal on next month’s ballot would be only a short-term measure, dismissing the claim as unrealistic and misleading.

Speaking with CNN’s Jake Tapper, Schwarzenegger argued that government programs rarely end when promised.
“When they say something is temporary, there’s no such thing,” he said. “The longest-lasting programs are the ones the government calls temporary. Whether it’s taxes or redistricting, once it starts, it usually becomes permanent.”

Schwarzenegger was referring to Proposition 50, a measure supported by Newsom and placed on the coming statewide ballot. If approved, the proposition would allow California lawmakers to bypass the state’s voter-established independent redistricting commission. Instead, the state legislature would be empowered to redesign congressional districts and potentially add as many as five new U.S. House seats—seats that analysts believe would overwhelmingly favor Democratic candidates.

Newsom has defended the proposal as a necessary countermeasure to redistricting maneuvers in states with Republican-led governments, including Texas, Missouri, and Indiana. Early voting on the measure began last week, according to Fox News.

Schwarzenegger was unconvinced. He predicted that if the measure passed, lawmakers would find new reasons to keep it in place long after its stated expiration date.
“In 2032, when the commission is supposed to take over again, they’ll say, ‘There’s still gerrymandering in Texas or in Florida—so we must continue.’ They will always find an excuse,” he said. “Calling this temporary is pure fantasy.”

Critics of Proposition 50 argue that Democrats are attempting to secure more favorable district lines at a time when national political power is closely divided. While Newsom has brushed off these complaints—saying “Spare me the moral high ground”—he avoided mentioning that Democratic-led states have engaged in significant gerrymandering for decades, shaping congressional maps to benefit their own party.

Schwarzenegger did not hold back on that point. He accused California Democrats of “cheating” and said their efforts undermine voters.
“Instead of trying to beat Trump with better ideas, they want to redraw the lines so they don’t have to work for the people,” he said. “Competition is what produces performance. But with manipulated district lines, they can get re-elected no matter what they do. The American people lose.”

The former governor added that the fallout of the redistricting battle ultimately harms ordinary citizens, not the politicians involved.
“If you genuinely care about democracy, why would you tear up the California Constitution just to rewrite the rules for your own advantage?” he asked. “It doesn’t make sense, and people are being cheated.”

Schwarzenegger has made his opposition public, even posting a photo of himself at the gym wearing a shirt that reads “Terminate Gerrymandering.” He said he has spoken privately with Newsom about the issue, describing their conversations as respectful but firmly divided.
“We’ve shared our views directly,” he said, noting that their disagreements have remained civil. “There’s no name-calling. We just stand on opposite sides of the issue.”

The redistricting fight arrives as Newsom weighs his political future. Over the weekend, he acknowledged he is actively considering a presidential run in 2028, though he stopped short of formally launching a campaign.
“Yeah, I’d be lying otherwise,” he told CBS News Sunday Morning when asked if he was thinking about entering the race. “I haven’t made a final decision, but of course it’s something I’m considering.”

Newsom has recently taken several steps suggesting national ambitions. He has traveled to early primary states such as South Carolina and launched a podcast featuring high-profile political discussions, including debates with conservative guests. These appearances have allowed him to sharpen his messaging and elevate his national profile ahead of any potential campaign.

As California voters prepare to weigh in on Proposition 50, the political stakes extend far beyond state borders. The outcome could influence the balance of power in Congress—and test whether Californians trust lawmakers or an independent commission to draw the political map.

For Schwarzenegger, the issue comes down to principle:
“Gerrymandering is wrong no matter who does it,” he said. “And calling it temporary doesn’t make it any less dangerous.”