When was arnold schwarzenegger governor of california

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Last updated: April 17, 2026

Quick Answer: Arnold Schwarzenegger served as the 38th Governor of California from November 17, 2003, to January 3, 2011, after winning a recall election that removed Governor Gray Davis from office.

Key Facts

Arnold Schwarzenegger was sworn in as governor on November 17, 2003, following a successful recall election.
He served two terms, ending his tenure on January 3, 2011, after being ineligible for re-election due to term limits.
Schwarzenegger won the 2003 recall election with approximately 48.6% of the vote.
He was the first foreign-born governor of California since the 1870s, born in Austria in 1947.
His governorship focused on environmental initiatives, economic reform, and bipartisan governance efforts.

Overview

Arnold Schwarzenegger, the Austrian-born actor and former professional bodybuilder, transitioned from Hollywood fame to political leadership when he became Governor of California in 2003. His election was a historic moment in American politics, marking one of the most high-profile celebrity entries into public office.

The recall election that propelled Schwarzenegger into office was triggered by widespread dissatisfaction with then-Governor Gray Davis, particularly over economic mismanagement and energy crises. Schwarzenegger ran as a Republican and won with a decisive majority, serving nearly eight years in office.

Sworn in on November 17, 2003, Schwarzenegger took office immediately after the recall vote, succeeding Gray Davis who was removed the same day.
Term ended on January 3, 2011, when he was succeeded by Democrat Jerry Brown, completing two full terms despite initial speculation he would not seek re-election.
First non-native governor since 1871, Schwarzenegger was born in Thal, Austria, making his election a significant shift in California’s political landscape.
Won 48.6% of the vote in the 2003 recall election, defeating 135 other candidates in a non-traditional ballot format.
Initially ran as a Republican but later identified as a centrist, often promoting bipartisan policies and environmental sustainability.

How It Works

California’s unique recall process allows voters to remove an elected official before their term ends, followed by an election to choose a successor. This mechanism was central to Schwarzenegger’s rise to power.

Term: Schwarzenegger served from November 17, 2003, to January 3, 2011. He won re-election in 2006 with 55.9% of the vote against Democrat Phil Angelides.
Recall Trigger: Over 900,000 valid signatures were collected in 2003, surpassing the required 12% of voter thresholds to initiate the recall of Governor Gray Davis.
Ballot Structure: The 2003 recall ballot had two questions: whether to recall Davis, and who should replace him, allowing multiple candidates to run simultaneously.
Historic Turnout: Approximately 61% of registered voters participated, with 55% voting to remove Davis and 48.6% selecting Schwarzenegger as the replacement.
Party Affiliation: Though a Republican, Schwarzenegger often collaborated with Democrats, signing major environmental legislation like AB 32 in 2006.
Post-Governor Role: After leaving office, he remained active in climate advocacy and public speaking, founding the R20 Regions of Climate Action.

Comparison at a Glance

The following table compares Schwarzenegger’s tenure with other recent California governors based on key metrics and policy outcomes.

Governor	Term Years	Party	Major Legislation	Approval at Exit
Arnold Schwarzenegger	2003–2011	Republican	AB 32 (Global Warming Solutions Act)	45%
Gray Davis	1999–2003	Democrat	Energy Deregulation (repealed)	24% (recalled)
Jerry Brown (second tenure)	2011–2019	Democrat	Cap-and-Trade Expansion	54%
Arnold Schwarzenegger	2003–2011	Republican	Budget Reforms, Special Elections	45%
Gavin Newsom	2019–present	Democrat	Plastic Bag Ban, Wildfire Funding	52% (2023)

This comparison highlights how Schwarzenegger’s administration balanced fiscal conservatism with progressive environmental policies, a rare combination in modern governance. His approval ratings fluctuated due to budget gridlock but stabilized by the end of his second term.

Why It Matters

Schwarzenegger’s governorship demonstrated that public figures with non-traditional political backgrounds could achieve significant policy impact. His legacy continues to influence debates on climate policy and bipartisan cooperation.

Environmental Leadership: Signed AB 32 in 2006, committing California to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 25% by 2020.
Budget Reforms: Advocated for changes to the state’s two-thirds budget approval rule, though voters rejected the proposal in 2005 and 2006.
Disaster Preparedness: Expanded California’s emergency response systems after wildfires and earthquakes during his tenure.
Immigration Stance: Took moderate positions, supporting some guest worker programs while opposing sanctuary city policies.
Global Influence: Used his platform to promote climate action internationally, speaking at UN climate summits as governor.
Celebrity in Politics: Paved the way for other high-profile candidates, influencing later political campaigns beyond California.

Arnold Schwarzenegger’s time as governor remains a pivotal chapter in California’s political evolution, blending entertainment fame with serious policy initiatives. His administration’s focus on sustainability and fiscal reform continues to shape state policy today.