Arnold Schwarzenegger, the former Governor of California, is reportedly gearing up to challenge the current Governor, Gavin Newsom, over his intentions to revise the state's congressional map.
This move by Newsom, a Democrat, is seen as a countermeasure to a similar Republican-led initiative in Texas. Schwarzenegger, a Republican, has long been an advocate against gerrymandering, a practice he has vocally condemned as "evil."
Daniel Ketchell, Schwarzenegger's spokesperson, conveyed to Politico the actor's firm stance on the issue. "He calls gerrymandering evil, and he means that," Ketchell stated. "He thinks its truly evil for politicians to take power from people. Hes opposed to what Texas is doing, and hes opposed to the idea that California would race to the bottom to do the same thing."
During his tenure as governor, Schwarzenegger was instrumental in passing constitutional amendments that transferred the power of drawing legislative districts from politicians to an independent commission.
According to Breitbart, Newsom's plan involves redrawing California's U.S. House maps ahead of the midterm elections, ostensibly to counteract the Republican efforts in Texas. However, this proposal would necessitate voter approval, as it seeks to overturn the constitutional provisions established by Schwarzenegger's amendments.
Newsom has expressed confidence in securing the necessary two-thirds legislative supermajority to place the matter on a November special-election ballot.
Schwarzenegger is poised to lead a "No" campaign against Newsom's proposal, rallying support from the same coalition that successfully passed Proposition 11 in 2008 and Proposition 20 in 2010. These propositions were pivotal in establishing and extending the independent commission's authority over California's legislative and congressional maps.
Organizations such as the League of Women Voters and California Common Cause, which played significant roles in the earlier efforts, are also opposing Newsom's plan.
In a recent announcement, Newsom indicated that the Democrats' initiative to redraw the state's congressional map is contingent upon developments in Texas. He emphasized that if Texas Republicans do not proceed with their proposed redistricting, there would be "no cause" for California to advance its own redrawing efforts.
"Its cause and effect, triggered on the basis of what occurs or doesnt occur in Texas," Newsom explained. "I hope they do the right thing, and if they do, then therell be no cause for us to have to move forward."
Meanwhile, the situation in Texas has escalated as Democrats in the state's House of Representatives have fled to prevent a vote on the redistricting proposal. In response, Texas Governor Greg Abbott has directed the Texas Rangers to investigate these Democrats for potential legal violations, including bribery, as they seek to break quorum.
The unfolding drama in both states underscores the contentious nature of redistricting, a process that has significant implications for political power and representation. Schwarzenegger's involvement highlights his enduring commitment to fair electoral practices, while Newsom's strategy reflects the broader partisan battles playing out across the nation.
Login