Former California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger has condemned Proposition 50, describing it as 'a big scam' during an appearance on HBO's Real Time with Bill Maher. The proposition, which voters are considering ahead of the midterm elections, has been linked to Governor Gavin Newsom's 'Election Rigging Response Act'—a reaction to Republican-led redistricting efforts in Texas.
Schwarzenegger, a Republican, argued that gerrymandering is widespread and that the current proposal would undermine the power of California voters. 'Do you know who I want to win? The people,' he said. 'I’m a Republican, but I’m not a Republican hack. I don’t serve the party, I always serve the people.'
The former governor warned against returning redistricting authority to politicians, referencing the independent California Citizens Redistricting Commission established in 2010 with his support. He urged Democrats to earn their victories through performance rather than electoral manipulation: 'Let the Democrats outperform the Republicans, and therefore, because of their performance, win and get the House back.'
Newsom had previously mocked Schwarzenegger on social media after his former co-star Danny DeVito donated $1,000 to the Yes on 50 campaign. The debate over Prop 50 comes amid broader national tensions over gerrymandering, with critics accusing both parties of hypocrisy.
