In California, Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) is leading efforts to add a ballot measure that would circumvent the state's independent redistricting commission, effectively allowing the state's legislature to move forward with a gerrymandering effort.

But according to The Hill, former California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger (R), who was instrumental in setting up the independent commission during his time as governor, is jumping back into the political arena to defend his legacy.

Last week, Schwarzenegger urged Californians to "terminate gerrymandering," and has joined forces with several prominent California Republicans like Kevin McCarthy and donor Charlie Munger Jr. to stop the attempt to bypass the commission.

Should Newsom and Democrats succeed, it would like mean a net gain of five House seats for the party, which would offset the Republicans gains in the redistricting battle in Texas.

What's going on?

Political experts believe Schwarzenegger is voicing his opinion on the situation as part of a way to defend his legacy, as voters approved the independent commission on his watch.

Dan Schnur, a former Republican strategist who’s currently a professor at the University of California, Berkeley and University of Southern California, weighed in on the matter.

"Schwarzenegger was and is a Republican, but there are certain issues that separate him pretty dramatically from the party mainstream. One of those was his work on climate change legislation, but his reform legacy might be what makes him most proud," Schnur explained.

He added, "He sees it as under threat."

Arnold Schwarzenegger is fiercely anti-gerrymandering, and is ready to fight Newsom.@Susan_Shelley joins me to discuss why Democrats are being misled by the polls: pic.twitter.com/WxlrKAwnqp

— Steve Hilton For Governor (@TeamSteveHilton) August 7, 2025

The Hill noted:

The plan could effectively nullify Republican-led redistricting in Texas, where the state Legislature last week approved new lines that could net five GOP House seats — after President Trump suggested the GOP is “entitled” to five more House seats.

Not a fan of either

The action movie star and former governor isn't a fan of what's happening in both California and Texas.

“It is very wrong what they’re doing to Texas and it is very wrong what they’re trying to do in California. It is not at all serving the people. It is serving the party," he said.

It's still unclear how Schwarzenegger will use his political street cred to fight back against Newsom's efforts.

Only time will tell if his efforts make a difference.