California Governor Gavin Newsom’s attempt to redraw the state’s political maps in his party’s favor is facing an unexpected obstacle — Arnold Schwarzenegger. The former Republican governor, once a Hollywood powerhouse and now a political thorn in Newsom’s side, has come out swinging against what he calls an abuse of power. His move could dramatically shift the balance in California and possibly alter the national conversation about Newsom’s political future.

Newsom’s redistricting push was supposed to be his big play to secure more Democratic control ahead of 2028, where many suspect he’s eyeing a White House run. But instead of a strong launch, his rally this week was marred by embarrassingly low turnout. To make matters worse, Border Patrol agents made arrests just outside his event, stealing the spotlight and rattling the governor.

Adding fuel to the fire, Newsom received a trolling gift — a “Trump 2028” hat — that sent him into a spiral, leading critics to mock him for displaying full-blown Trump Derangement Syndrome.

Yet the biggest blow came from Schwarzenegger, who declared himself ready to fight back. “I’m getting ready for the gerrymandering battle,” he told reporters, wearing a shirt emblazoned with the words: “F**k the politicians, terminate gerrymandering.” His choice of language and timing made headlines immediately, signaling that Newsom won’t be able to ram through his plan without resistance.

Schwarzenegger’s opposition isn’t symbolic. As governor, he was instrumental in creating California’s independent redistricting commission — the very institution Newsom now wants to sidestep. That means Arnold isn’t just a celebrity voice; he’s an architect of the system Newsom is trying to dismantle. And he’s not fighting alone.

Former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy has jumped into the fray, announcing plans to raise more than $100 million to support the fight against Newsom’s maps. Add to that another $30 million pledged by Charles Munger Jr., a longtime backer of fair redistricting in California, and the governor’s path forward looks increasingly treacherous.

Other Republican leaders in the state, including former party chair Jessica Millan Patterson and strategist Tom Ross, are also helping mount the opposition campaign. With this kind of financial and political muscle against him, Newsom’s dream of cementing his control through redistricting may quickly turn into a nightmare.

The fight also has national implications. Newsom has pitched his redistricting plan as a response to Republican-led changes in Texas, but Texas Governor Greg Abbott isn’t backing down. Abbott has already suggested that his state could expand its maps even further if Newsom insists on playing political games. That tit-for-tat could backfire on Democrats and weaken their influence across multiple states.

For Newsom personally, the optics could not be worse. He’s long been considered a future Democratic presidential contender, but losing a fight in his own backyard would seriously damage his credibility. If he can’t hold the line in California, voters may wonder, how could he possibly take on Donald Trump — or any Republican — on the national stage?

Meanwhile, Schwarzenegger’s return to the spotlight is being celebrated by those who remember his days as a larger-than-life political figure. “He said he’d be back,” Rep. Darrell Issa quipped — and now, it looks like Arnold is making good on that promise.

For Democrats in California, the redistricting battle is no longer an easy win. With Arnold, McCarthy, and deep-pocketed donors aligned against Newsom, this could be the fight that defines the governor’s political legacy — and not in the way he hoped.