California Governor Gavin Newsom decided to go Hollywood in his fight for partisan power, trolling former Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger by pointing out that his “Twins” co-star Danny DeVito had donated to Newsom’s side of the fight.
The clash reignited Monday when Newsom publicly mocked Schwarzenegger over Proposition 50, a ballot initiative designed to redraw congressional districts in ways that critics say will all but end competitive elections in the state.
Newsom posted a jab on X, declaring that DeVito had given $1,000 to the “Yes on 50” campaign.
The move came just hours after Schwarzenegger warned that he was preparing to battle gerrymandering in California.
https://t.co/1fpy6DsM2z pic.twitter.com/IZwSbgkGhh
— Gavin Newsom (@GavinNewsom) August 26, 2025
Newsom’s social media taunt included stills of the 1988 comedy “Twins,” framing Schwarzenegger and DeVito against each other as the state gears up for a bitter political showdown.
Schwarzenegger, however, has promised to stand firmly against the measure, which aligns with his long-standing advocacy for independent redistricting.
The former Republican governor, who served from 2003 to 2011, has consistently championed independent commissions to draw district lines instead of leaving it to politicians with partisan motives.
I don’t blame you for not doing your research, but if you knew anything about me you’d know I fight gerrymanders no matter which party is at fault.
Michigan: https://t.co/ldSwIS9lEf
I could keep going. https://t.co/CddSP42CwO
— Arnold (@Schwarzenegger) August 15, 2025
He reminded voters that he has fought against gerrymandering for years, branding it “the evil of politics” and “an attack on the people’s choice.”
He has said repeatedly that he intends to defend the system he created as governor, even if doing so benefits President Donald Trump and undercuts Newsom’s strategy.
Arnold Schwarzenegger discusses how gerrymandering affects Congress — and a potential solution.
(via @HBO) pic.twitter.com/zUzl44Epld
— VICE News (@VICENews) August 13, 2018
“It’s nothing personal,” Schwarzenegger told The New York Times. “He was kind enough to let me know what he’s up to and how he feels. I told him: ‘I totally get it. I understand it.’ I said, ‘There’s no effect on our relationship.’”
Schwarzenegger rejected the idea that California should mimic other states’ partisan maps. “We are not going to go into a stinking contest with a skunk,” he said.
“I hate the idea of the Republicans redrawing the district lines in Texas, as much as I hate what the Californians are trying to do,” he added. “But I’m thinking now about California, and about the people of California.”
Arnold @Schwarzenegger calls on Supreme Court "to fix this problem of severe gerrymandering…Congress will never, ever fix this problem." pic.twitter.com/bJ1QisV9sn
— ABC News Politics (@ABCPolitics) October 3, 2017
“I promised them that we are going to create a commission that would be independent of the politicians, and there will be an independent citizens commission drawing the lines,” the “Terminator” star noted.
“So I’m not going to go back on my promise. I’m going to fight for my promise.”
Though light on details, Schwarzenegger has already hinted at how he will take part in the looming campaign.
This week he announced a new “f*** the politicians, terminate gerrymandering” T-shirt, with proceeds going to the League of Women Voters, a group opposing partisan control of redistricting.
Newsom, meanwhile, has sought to justify his push for Proposition 50 as retaliation against Republicans in Texas.
He invoked Governor Greg Abbott and President Trump by name, claiming their new maps were designed to favor the GOP ahead of the 2026 midterms.
“Look, what we’re doing neuters, neutralizes what’s happening in Texas,” Newsom said.
“People have this chance with this ballot—November 4—is stand up to the rule of law, stand up for coequal branches of government, stand up to, yes, Donald Trump, but also stand up in the spirit that defines this moment to people being bullied and people being intimidated.”
If approved, the Election Rigging Response Act would override California’s independent commission and give Democrats full control over district maps until 2030.
Analysts have noted it could flip as many as five Republican-held seats in California’s congressional delegation.
The measure passed the legislature in August and will face voters in a November 4 special election.
The rivalry spilled into other corners of California politics this week as well. Schwarzenegger was expected to be inducted into the California Hall of Fame.
But his name was suddenly missing from Newsom’s announced list at the California Museum on Monday.
One attendee described the snub as “stunning,” considering Schwarzenegger had been told of his induction in advance.
Some questioned whether his public fight with Newsom was tied to the omission.
Newsom spokesperson Bob Salladay downplayed the speculation. “Nobody’s being snubbed,” he said.
“The list remains the same, and we’re going to have a public announcement in a few months.”
Schwarzenegger’s spokesman Daniel Ketchell confirmed the former governor had been notified of the honor, but he insisted politics were not a factor.
“It’s not the Republican Hall of Fame or the Democrat Hall of Fame—it’s the California Hall of Fame,” Ketchell said.
“He’s not going to worry about it. He’s got plenty of awards on his wall that didn’t require being on the same side politically.”
Despite the tensions, Newsom has made an effort to appear cordial with Schwarzenegger in public.
He visited the former governor at his Los Angeles home recently, telling reporters afterward, “We had a fantastic conversation, and we share many of the same values.”
But Newsom has used every platform available to escalate his attacks on President Trump.
At Politico’s “California Agenda” summit in Sacramento, he alleged that Trump was plotting to stay in power.
“I don’t think Donald Trump wants another election,” Newsom claimed. “I have two dozen ‘Trump 2028’ hats his folks keep sending me.”
Donald Trump isn’t joking about 2028. pic.twitter.com/eVufjgIcLj
— Gavin Newsom (@GavinNewsom) August 28, 2025
Though Trump has joked about extending his tenure, he has also acknowledged that Vice President Vance is “most likely” the Republican candidate in 2028.
Newsom, however, said he took Trump seriously. “People actually think this guy’s serious about having another election? You think he’s joking about 2028?”
“You think when he brings foreign leaders to the Oval Office, and he goes to the White House store—have you seen this? Anyone?” He hissed.
“He shows ’em the 2028 hats? He’s not being serious? Wake up. You will lose your country.”
Newsom even mocked Trump’s plan for a White House ballroom. “Who spends $200 million on a ballroom and moves out of their house?” the governor asked.