The Day Arnold Schwarzenegger Became California's Governor
- last year
October 7, 2003.
The four-time Mr. Universe and action film star replaced Grey Davis. Davis had been recalled by CA voters.
Schwarzenegger ran as a Republican, appealing to voters of the world's fifth-largest economy with promises of reform.
He announced his 11-week campaign on 'The Tonight Show With Jay Leno.'
Perhaps most well known for his role in James Cameron's 'The Terminator,' Schwarzenegger had almost no political experience.
Regardless, he handily defeated the closest challenger in the race, Lieutenant Governor Cruz Bustamante, by more than a million votes.
Schwarzenegger was re-elected in 2007, serving as CA governor until 2011.
The four-time Mr. Universe and action film star replaced Grey Davis. Davis had been recalled by CA voters.
Schwarzenegger ran as a Republican, appealing to voters of the world's fifth-largest economy with promises of reform.
He announced his 11-week campaign on 'The Tonight Show With Jay Leno.'
Perhaps most well known for his role in James Cameron's 'The Terminator,' Schwarzenegger had almost no political experience.
Regardless, he handily defeated the closest challenger in the race, Lieutenant Governor Cruz Bustamante, by more than a million votes.
Schwarzenegger was re-elected in 2007, serving as CA governor until 2011.