Schwarzenegger Returns with New Ad Against Proposition 50
Former Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger is making a comeback on California’s airwaves with a new advertisement aimed at opposing the November voting measure introduced by the National Democrats. This measure proposes to alter the state’s legislative districts, potentially boosting the party’s standing in Congress.
The committee opposing Proposition 50 aims to replace districts drawn by the Independent Commission with those influenced by partisan politics. They plan to spend around $1 million daily on advertisements throughout California. Schwarzenegger argues that the measure does not serve voters’ interests but rather benefits entrenched politicians.
“They’re trying to move us backward. It’s crucial that you vote ‘no’ on Proposal 50,” he says in the ad, which was filmed during a recent conversation with USC students. “The Constitution begins with ‘we, the people,’ not ‘we, politicians.’ We need to safeguard democracy; we must fight for it.”
Redrawing congressional districts typically occurs every decade following the U.S. Census to reflect population changes. This year, however, the process has attracted less attention due to intense political battles over a closely divided Congress during the final two years of President Trump’s administration.
This year, after Trump encouraged Republican-leaning states like Texas to redraw congressional boundaries, California Democrats have responded with an unusual rezoning effort aimed at increasing their representation in November’s elections.
Though Schwarzenegger advocates for political reform, he is not officially part of the Proposition 50 campaign. Since stepping down, he has focused on promoting good governance at USC and supporting independent constituency changes across the country.
The ad featuring his comments is part of a broader effort against Proposition 50, largely funded by Charles Munger Jr., a prominent GOP donor who previously challenged the measure that established the California Independent Commission.
Munger has contributed $30 million to the campaign opposing the November measure, as reported by funding disclosures to the Secretary of State. Other significant opposition campaigns have collectively raised over $5 million, while the primary group supporting Proposition 50, led by Governor Newsom, has amassed over $54 million.
These funding details are based on required disclosures for large contributions, with a more comprehensive financial report expected to be submitted to the state soon.
