Schwarzenegger Criticizes Partisan Gerrymandering Surge Across US

Former California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger has voiced strong criticism of the recent surge in partisan redistricting efforts across the United States, describing it as a competitive "war" where parties aim to "out-cheat" each other rather than win on ideas. He specifically cited Texas as the initiator of this trend, with states like California, Missouri, and North Carolina following suit, and lamented the abandonment of independent redistricting commissions that he once championed. California Democrats, led by Governor Gavin Newsom, are backing Proposition 50, a ballot measure to overturn California's independent redistricting commission and redraw congressional maps to potentially gain five Democratic seats, a move Schwarzenegger called a "big scam." Schwarzenegger urges voters to reject such tactics and instead encourage political competition based on merit rather than manipulation. Newsom defends Proposition 50 as essential for future elections, dismissing concerns over redistricting ethics. Schwarzenegger's concerns highlight a nationwide shift away from nonpartisan redistricting toward overtly political map drawing, which he believes undermines democratic principles and harms voters.