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 preliminary list.
Newsom raised eyebrows last summer when Schwarzenegger — a vocal opponent of the governor’s congressional redistricting push — wasn’t named to an early roster of potential honorees despite expectations he would be included, Politico reported.
California Governor Gavin Newsom at an event promoting his book, “Young Man in a Hurry.” Getty ImagesThe move sparked questions of political payback against Schwarzenegger, the two-term GOP governor who conceived of the Hall of Fame.
This year’s 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.
Arnold Schwarzenegger at the 33rd Weißwurstparty for the 86th Hahnenkamm Race. BACKGRIDA 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 later the Supreme Court after a challenge by California Republicans.
