LOS ANGELES, Oct 8: Arnold Schwarzenegger swept to power as governor of California on Tuesday as furious voters ousted the unpopular incumbent in a historic election rocked by drama worthy of a Hollywood movie.

The “Terminator” actor scored a landslide victory over rivals hoping to oust Democratic Governor Gray Davis despite thin economic plans and a storm of scandal that battered his campaign.

“I want to help the people of California,” Schwarzenegger said as he accepted his latest role.

“I came here with absolutely nothing and California has given me absolutely everything. And today California has given me the greatest thing of all, you have given me your trust by voting for me.”

Across town in downtown Los Angeles, Davis conceded defeat, less than a year after triumphantly being elected to a second four-year term.

“We have had a lot of good nights over the last 20 years but tonight the people did decide that it’s time for someone else to serve, and I accept their judgement,” Davis said as he admitted defeat two hours after the polls closed.

“I have placed a call to Mr. Arnold Schwarzenegger just a few minutes ago to congratulate him on being elected governor,” he said.

Official figures, with 61 percent of votes counted, showed Davis was ousted by 55 percent of votes against 45, while Schwarzenegger was chosen to replace him with 48 percent of votes against 32 for deputy governor Cruz Bustamante.—AFP