Title: "Maria Shriver Spotted with Rumored Love Interest a Decade After Initial Link"

Alternative for clarity on her identity:
"Schwarzenegger’s Ex Maria Shriver Seen with Rumored Love Interest 10 Years After First Link"

(Choose based on preferred brevity or contextual emphasis.)

Maria Shriver Spotted with Longtime Friend Matthew Dowd Amid Romance Rumors
(Images: Shriver and Dowd strolling in LA; Shriver with Schwarzenegger in 2003; Casual outing photos from 2016 and 2024)

Maria Shriver, 69, sparked renewed speculation about her relationship with political strategist Matthew Dowd, 64, during a casual outing in Los Angeles this week. The pair, first linked romantically over a decade ago, appeared relaxed as they walked together, with Shriver in a white tee and leggings.

A Decade of Friendship (and Speculation)
Shriver, the ex-wife of Arnold Schwarzenegger, and Dowd, a former George W. Bush campaign strategist, have maintained a close bond since meeting through political circles. Dowd later worked on Schwarzenegger’s 2006 gubernatorial reelection campaign. Despite being photographed together at events like her cousin Bobby Kennedy Jr.’s 2014 wedding, Shriver has never confirmed a romantic relationship.

(Image: Shriver and Dowd at Bobby Kennedy Jr.’s 2014 wedding)

Shriver’s Past and Independence
Shriver’s 25-year marriage to Schwarzenegger ended in 2011 after he admitted to fathering a child with their housekeeper, Joseph Baena. The former couple shares four children: Katherine, 35, Christina, 34, Patrick, 31, and Christopher, 27. Dowd, meanwhile, has faced personal struggles, including the loss of an infant daughter during his second marriage.

(Images: Shriver with Schwarzenegger in 2003; Schwarzenegger with Joseph Baena)

In a June 2024 interview on Today, Shriver reflected on her single life: “I’ve been single my whole 60s… I loved it, but others had a problem with it.” She added, “People ask, ‘You don’t have a boyfriend yet?’ But I’m happily open to life’s possibilities.”

Open to Love, But Content Alone
On Jamie Kern Lima’s podcast, Shriver emphasized she’s not actively seeking romance but remains open: “My life is full. I’m not looking, but if a great love comes, I’m ready.” She joked about her kids suggesting a dating app profile but insisted, “I’m good on my own.”

(Images: Shriver and Dowd laughing during a 2016 outing; recent stroll in LA)

While the duo’s connection continues to intrigue fans, Shriver’s focus remains on family, advocacy, and embracing life’s surprises. Representatives for Shriver have not commented on the latest sightings.

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