Today in History: Arnold Schwarzenegger becomes the governor of California
Although he began his tenure as governor with record high approval ratings he left office with a record low 23%.
On this day in 2003, actor Arnold Schwarzenegger was elected governor of California, the most populous state in the nation with the world’s fifth-largest economy.
Despite his inexperience, Schwarzenegger came out on top in the 11-week campaign to replace Gray Davis, who had earlier become the first United States governor to be recalled by the people since 1921. Schwarzenegger was one of 135 candidates on the ballot, which included career politicians, other actors, and one adult-film star.
With his film career beginning to stagnate, Schwarzenegger, a staunch supporter of the Republican Party who had long been thought to harbour political aspirations, announced his candidacy for governor of California during an appearance on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno. Aside from his well-known stint serving as chairperson of the President’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports under President George HW Bush, Schwarzenegger had little political experience.
His campaign, which featured his use of myriad one-liners well-known from his movie career, was dogged by criticism of his use of anabolic steroids, as well as allegations of sexual misconduct and racism. Still, Schwarzenegger was able to parlay his celebrity status into a win, appealing to weary California voters with talk of reform. He beat his closest challenger, the Democratic lieutenant governor Cruz Bustamante, by more than a million votes.
Despite expectations that Schwarzenegger would be vulnerable to opposition critics once taking office, his early governorship showed some successes. He dealt successfully with California politicians as diverse as John Burton to the left and Tom McClintock to the right.
By the end of May 2004, a Field poll put his popularity at 65 per cent, including 41 per cent of Democrats. By comparison, former United States President Ronald Reagan, known as “the Great Communicator,” never hit 60 per cent approval while serving as California governor.
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