Former California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger delivered a sharp critique of changes to congressional boundaries that are unfolding across the United States. He called these moves a fraud during an interview that aired on CNN’s State of the Union.
“There is a war raging across the United States right now. Who will manage to outsmart the other?”
– CNN’s Jake Tapper
The words of Schwarzenegger came against the backdrop of Republican lawmakers in several states continuing to push the redrawing of election maps under the direction of Donald Trump in a bid to reduce Democrats’ advantage in the upcoming midterm elections. Even in states with Democrats in control of the legislature, such as California and Virginia, steps are being considered that could affect the outcome of votes.
Efforts in Texas, Missouri, and North Carolina have led to the creation of seven new districts more friendly to Republicans. Indiana and Kansas are also considering another redistricting to bolster the Democrats’ position.
While redistricting in states where the process traditionally goes through legislative procedures continues on the part of the relevant authorities, in California changes must be approved by voters. Proposition 50 calls for replacing maps drawn by an independent commission with new ones – with the potential to allow Democrats to flip up to five seats in the House of Representatives currently held by Republicans. The first votes are scheduled for November 4.
Schwarzenegger, who supported efforts to create an independent commission to determine congressional and state boundaries, noted that the redistricting contest ahead of the midterms weighs on him.
California Governor Gavin Newsom, a Democrat, called Proposition 50 “fundamental.” When asked about Schwarzenegger’s opposition, Newsom replied that people need to “wake up to these new realities” and “shed the moral advantage.”
In response to Newsom’s points, Schwarzenegger affirmed his friendship with the current governor, but said Democrats need to “take the initiative” to surpass Trump, rather than focus on redistricting.
“In my view, the key is competition.”
– Arnold Schwarzenegger
“One party must surpass the other. It must be the outcome.”
– Arnold Schwarzenegger
CNN correspondents Eric Bridner, Arlette Saenz, Ethan Cohen, Arit John, Frederica Shouten and Dianne Gallagher contributed to the reporting.
