Arnold Schwarzenegger is launching a major fight against California Governor Gavin Newsom’s controversial plan to redraw the state’s congressional map before the midterm elections. Schwarzenegger, who championed redistricting reform during his time as governor, strongly condemned Newsom’s move as a blatant power grab designed to help Democrats.

Speaking through his spokesperson Daniel Ketchell, Schwarzenegger sharply criticized Newsom’s proposal, saying, “It’s truly evil for politicians to take power from people.” Ketchell emphasized Schwarzenegger’s strong opposition to gerrymandering and declared the former governor would actively campaign against the measure if it moves forward.

“He calls gerrymandering evil, and he means that,” Ketchell said. “He’s opposed to what Texas is doing, and he’s opposed to the idea that California would race to the bottom to do the same thing.”

During Schwarzenegger’s tenure as governor, he spearheaded two landmark constitutional amendments—Proposition 11 in 2008 and Proposition 20 in 2010—that established an independent commission to handle the drawing of state legislative and congressional districts. These reforms took power away from politicians and put it in the hands of citizens to ensure fair representation.

Newsom’s plan directly challenges these voter-approved reforms. According to reports, Newsom is seeking to redraw California’s congressional districts as a political response to Republican-led redistricting efforts in Texas. To move forward, Newsom will need to secure a two-thirds majority in the state legislature and voter approval through a special-election ballot.

In a recent statement, Newsom openly acknowledged the partisan nature of his proposal, stating clearly that his decision to redraw the map hinges entirely on whether Texas Republicans proceed with their own redistricting efforts. “It’s cause and effect, triggered on the basis of what occurs or doesn’t occur in Texas,” Newsom explained. “I hope they do the right thing, and if they do, then there’ll be no cause for us to have to move forward.”

However, many critics see Newsom’s plan as purely partisan politics, an attempt to solidify Democratic control of congressional seats in California. Several prominent organizations—including the League of Women Voters and California Common Cause, both key backers of Schwarzenegger’s original redistricting reforms—have already come forward to oppose Newsom’s proposed changes.

Schwarzenegger, who remains influential and widely respected in California politics, intends to mobilize these organizations and a broad coalition of voters to block Newsom’s plan. This sets up a major battle that could reshape the political landscape of California and impact the balance of power in Congress for years to come.

The stakes are particularly high given recent developments in Texas, where Democratic lawmakers fled the state legislature to stall a vote on a similar Republican-led redistricting effort. Texas Governor Greg Abbott responded by directing Texas Rangers to investigate and potentially arrest Democratic lawmakers who left the state to prevent a quorum.

With Schwarzenegger stepping back onto the political stage, California now faces a dramatic showdown. Conservatives view Schwarzenegger’s involvement as a critical stand against partisan manipulation and an important defense of democratic principles.

For Republicans and many moderate voters, Schwarzenegger’s intervention provides a much-needed check against Democrat attempts to rewrite rules for political gain. Schwarzenegger’s commitment to fighting partisan redistricting sends a clear message: California voters—not political insiders—should determine their own representation.

As Schwarzenegger readies his campaign, conservatives across California and nationwide see his fight as a critical opportunity to protect democracy from cynical political maneuvering. If Schwarzenegger prevails, it will mark a powerful victory for voters, fairness, and conservative principles against Democratic overreach.