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2d ago

Schwarzenegger Joins Fight Over California Prop. 50, Urges No on Democrats’ Mid-Decade Maps

A Nov. 4 special election will test whether Californians favor a partisan redraw over the state’s independent commission.

Former California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, right, expresses his opposition to Proposition 50, a California ballot measure to redraw U.S. House maps to boost Democrats, during a conversation with University of Southern California interim president Beong-Soo Kim, not shown, on democracy at the USC campus in Los Angeles, Monday, Sept. 15, 2025 (AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes)
Opponents of California Proposition 50, also known as the Election Rigging Response Act, a California ballot measure that would redraw congressional maps to benefit Democrats, rally in Westminster, Calif., on Wednesday, Sept. 10, 2025. (AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes)
Texas Rep. James Talarico speaks with supporters at a rally, Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025, at Wrigley Square in Millennium Park in Chicago. (AP Photo/Talia Sprague)
The unprecedented fight to win congressional seats via gerrymandering voting districts pits California Gov. Gavin Newsom (left), a Democrat, against Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, a Republican. But the fight is escalating and other states are being drawn in.

Overview

  • At USC, former Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger urged a No vote, calling Proposition 50 “insane” and a rollback of the voter-created independent commission.
  • The measure would suspend commission maps through 2030 and install Democratic-drawn districts that, if approved, could net Democrats as many as five additional U.S. House seats.
  • Newsom and national allies staged a virtual rally to boost the Yes campaign, with figures like Sen. Elizabeth Warren and House leaders urging passage to counter GOP moves in Texas.
  • The Nov. 4 special election is projected to cost about $282.6 million, a price opponents highlight as they argue the plan lacks transparency and public participation.
  • Candidates are already recalculating: San Diego’s Marni von Wilpert is targeting Darrell Issa under the proposed lines, several Democrats signal district switches, and Republican Kevin Lincoln is eyeing a different race.