Schwarzenegger Might Be Back ... in Politics

The Governator might be taking another shot at political office—even if "The Senatator" isn't much of a nickname. Republican insiders in California tell Politico that Arnold Schwarzenegger is considering running for the US Senate in 2018, when Democratic Sen. Dianne Feinstein will be 85 years old and seeking re-election. The sources say the former governor is generating buzz in GOP circles with his "ability to get under the skin" of President Trump on social media, though he may run as an independent.

Spokesman Daniel Ketchell says Schwarzenegger, who left office in 2011, has remained engaged in politics with his efforts to champion redistricting reform nationwide through the USC Schwarzenegger Institute, the San Jose Mercury News reports. As for a run for office, Ketchell says: "We are keeping our options open." A veteran GOP strategist tells Politico that announcing a run "would give Arnold the stage to jam Trump for the next 16 months." Schwarzenegger recently stepped down as host of Celebrity Apprentice and blamed the show's association with former host Trump, who's still listed as executive producer and who repeatedly mocked him for having poor ratings. (More Arnold Schwarzenegger stories.)