On October 7, Californians made a historic choice by voting to remove Governor Gray Davis from office. Davis is only the second governor in U.S. history to be recalled. From 135 names on the ballot, voters chose actor Arnold Schwarzenegger to replace Davis.
"I came here with absolutely nothing, and California has given me absolutely everything," said Schwarzenegger during his victory speech. Born in Austria, he moved to the United States at age 21. He spoke little English. He was a body-building champion, and that helped him become a movie star. As governor, the actor said, it will be his turn to give something back to the state of California. Schwarzenegger is expected to take office no later than November 16.