What is Proposition 50 in California?

California’s political landscape is heating up once again, as former Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger takes a strong stance against Governor Gavin Newsom’s controversial Proposition 50. The proposed measure aims to shift redistricting powers away from California’s independent commission—an institution established to ensure fairness in drawing electoral district boundaries—and hand control back to the state legislature.

Schwarzenegger, who governed the state from 2003 to 2011, voiced his disapproval during an appearance on HBO’s Real Time with Bill Maher on Friday. He warned that the ballot measure, which Democrats are urging Californians to support, threatens the state’s constitutional safeguards and undermines public trust in democratic processes.

“A Scam Against Democracy”

Calling Proposition 50 a “big scam,” Schwarzenegger accused California Democrats of hypocrisy—claiming they are attacking former President Donald Trump’s record on democracy while simultaneously seeking to centralize power in Sacramento.

“They say Trump is a threat to democracy,” Schwarzenegger said, “but at the same time, they want to destroy the constitutional balance in California by taking power from the people and giving it back to the politicians.”

The former governor reminded viewers that he was in office when California voters approved the Citizens Redistricting Commission in 2010. This independent body was created to prevent partisan manipulation of district boundaries and ensure that communities, not politicians, decided how representation would be structured.

Background: How Redistricting Became a Battleground

Redistricting—the process of redrawing political boundaries—occurs every ten years following the national Census. It’s meant to ensure equal representation as populations grow or shift. However, in many states, lawmakers have been accused of using redistricting to entrench political advantages, a practice known as gerrymandering.

In California, the independent commission system has long been hailed as a model for other states. Schwarzenegger argued that this reform reduced corruption, increased competition, and gave voters a stronger voice.

“Politicians in California have performed much better since independent redistricting began,” he said. “Taking that power away from the people is a step backward.”

Newsom’s Argument: “Fighting Back Against Trump”

Governor Newsom, however, insists that Proposition 50 is about protecting democracy—not weakening it. In a statement released in August, Newsom said the measure would allow Californians to “fight back” against efforts by the Trump administration to undermine democratic processes.

He praised the state legislature for giving voters the chance to decide, saying, “Californians have been uniquely targeted by the Trump Administration, and this measure brings much-needed accountability.”

The initiative has gained support from several high-profile Democrats, including former President Barack Obama and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. But critics like Schwarzenegger say the timing—just ahead of the 2026 midterms—suggests the move is politically motivated.

A Clash of Principles

Schwarzenegger emphasized that his opposition is not partisan but principled. “I’m a Republican, but I’m not a political hack,” he told Maher. “We fought too long to take power away from politicians and give it to the people. Proposition 50 would undo that progress.”

The debate over Proposition 50 has reignited discussions about transparency, trust, and accountability in governance. As California voters prepare to head to the polls, the outcome of this ballot measure could redefine how political power is distributed in one of America’s most influential states.

FAQ

1. What is Proposition 50 in California?
Proposition 50 is a proposed measure that would allow the state legislature to oversee redistricting instead of the independent Citizens Redistricting Commission.

2. Why is Arnold Schwarzenegger opposing Proposition 50?
Schwarzenegger believes the measure undermines democracy by stripping power from voters and handing it back to politicians.

3. What is the Citizens Redistricting Commission?
Established in 2010, it’s an independent body responsible for drawing congressional and legislative district lines in California to prevent political bias.

4. Who supports Proposition 50?
Gov. Gavin Newsom, former President Barack Obama, and several prominent Democrats have endorsed the measure.

5. When will Californians vote on Proposition 50?
Voters are expected to decide on the measure during the 2026 midterm elections.