Gavin Newsom reveals California Hall of Fame inductees after early Arnold Schwarzenegger snub
Gavin Newsom unveiled his list of inductees into the California Hall of Fame on Tuesday — extending the honor to Arnold Schwarzenegger after initially leaving the former Republican governor’s name off the list.
Newsom raised eyebrows last summer when Schwarzenegger — a vocal opponent of the governor’s congressional redistricting push — wasn’t named to an early list of honorees despite expectations he would be included.
The snub sparked questions of political payback against Schwarzenegger, who conceived of the Hall of Fame.
The 19th class of inductees also includes Hollywood actress Jamie Lee Curtis, Olympic athletes Janet Evans and Carl Lewis, and Nobu restauranteur Nobuyuki Matsuhisa.
They will be formally inducted during a ceremony at the California Museum in Sacramento on March 19, 2026.
A press release from Newsom’s office described Schwarzenegger as “a singular figure in California history, embodying the Golden State’s promise of opportunity.”
“From humble beginnings, he built himself into a world champion bodybuilder, Hollywood icon, successful businessman, environmentalist, philanthropist, bestselling author, and the 38th Governor of California,” the statement said.
Newsom’s redistricting plan ultimately got the support of state voters and the Supreme Court after a challenge by California Republicans.
