The California Business and Industrial Alliance (CABIA) is standing firm against Governor Gavin Newsom as he attempts to reshape the narrative surrounding his governance of the state. This strategic move is seen as part of a broader effort to bolster his appeal as a potential candidate for the 2028 presidential election. Newsom is actively promoting an upcoming autobiography, complete with a feature in Vogue that borders on the fantastical. With photographs by the renowned Annie Leibovitz, the portrayal seems more like a glossy fairy tale than a factual account.
In light of Newsom’s carefully polished self-presentation, CABIA Founder Tom Manzo has launched a new advertising campaign designed to puncture the governor’s inflated image. The campaign serves as a pointed critique, providing a reality check to counterbalance the narrative Newsom is attempting to craft.
The distinction between a struggling sports team and a governor with a poor track record lies in the ability to turn the former around without squandering taxpayer money. As governor, Gavin Newsom has become a master of inefficiency, exemplifying waste and mismanagement that burdens both citizens and small businesses in California. CABIA is taking a stand, highlighting the governor’s efforts to gloss over these shortcomings.
Whether addressing issues at the state or national level, CABIA remains vigilant in holding public officials responsible for decisions that impact small businesses. A notable example is their involvement in challenging the Private Attorney General’s Act (PAGA), a piece of legislation endorsed by Newsom that has been criticized for enabling frivolous lawsuits against small businesses over alleged labor code violations.
When the case of Viking River Cruises v. Moriana reached the Supreme Court of the United States, CABIA played a critical role by submitting an amicus brief in support of Viking and organizing a rally at the Supreme Court. This case was pivotal in undermining PAGA, and despite a favorable ruling, CABIA remains committed to eradicating the law from California’s labor regulations entirely.
Dive Deeper: California Private Attorneys General Act (PAGA) Suffers Knockout With SCOTUS’ ‘Viking’ Decision
Leading up to the Super Bowl, CABIA unveiled a football-themed billboard in Times Square, comparing Governor Gavin Newsom’s leadership in California to one of the NFL’s most consistently underperforming franchises, the New York Jets. pic.twitter.com/bUJgBKWCL9
— @cabia (@cabia_speakup) February 3, 2026
Timed to coincide with Super Bowl week, the billboard specifically calls out Newsom’s failing record on higher taxes and homelessness.
This scrutiny of California’s economy comes as Newsom embarks on a national press tour to promote his forthcoming autobiography, including a new Vogue feature photographed by Annie Lebowitz.
“Before trying to quarterback national politics, Gavin Newsom should take a hard look at how his game plan worked out in California,” said Tom Manzo, founder of CABIA. “Much like New Yorkers feel about the Jets, Californians expected more than what they’ve seen from Governor Newsom.”
The difference between a failing sports franchise and a failed governor is that you can turn the franchise around, and it is not wasting taxpayer dollars. As California governor, Gavin Newsom has made an art form out of waste, fraud, and abuse of California citizens and their small businesses. CABIA rightly calls Newsom out on this attempt to put lipstick on a pig.
Whether it is California governance or national governance that hurts small business, CABIA keeps watch and holds elected officials accountable. CABIA was pivotal in seeing the erosion of California’s Private Attorney General’s Act (PAGA), a Newsom-backed law that directly attacked small businesses through spurious lawsuits citing supposed violations of the California Labor Code.
For those unfamiliar with PAGA and why it is so egregious, the law allows employees to bring a lawsuit against their employer on behalf of themselves and their fellow employees for violating even the smallest provision of the California Labor Code — a 1,100-plus page behemoth. It could be an incidental or accidental violation, but the employer is still liable and every employee is swept in under the law, whether they agree with the lawsuit or not. For large corporations that have a division of labor law attorneys, it’s just another day at brunch. For the small business with revolving revenues and tighter margins? This can be devastating.
When Viking River Cruises v. Moriana was heard before the Supreme Court of the United States, CABIA submitted an amicus brief on Viking’s behalf and rallied on the SCOTUS steps, because this national case had direct implications in eroding PAGA. Even with the favorable SCOTUS ruling, CABIA continues the fight to see PAGA completely eliminated from California labor law.
Dive Deeper: California Private Attorneys General Act (PAGA) Suffers Knockout With SCOTUS’ ‘Viking’ Decision
CABIA Comes Out Swinging Against Secretary of Labor Nominee Julie Su
In August, CABIA used USA Today to slam Newsom and his terrible use of social media to beclown himself and his state. Newsom and his communications team have flooded official accounts with what can only be described as stalking of President Donald Trump and other red-state leaders. Californians need a governor who cares about the affairs of his own state, not one who spends his days posting insulting memes while turning a blind eye to the suffering of his own citizens.
To listen to Gavin Newsom tell it, California is “not only dominating but paving the way for the future of jobs and the American economy.” If only it were true.https://t.co/6h3RoWzZJS
— @cabia (@cabia_speakup) February 26, 2025
As Manzo said in his press release:
Newsom’s behavior is an embarrassment to California. Instead of clowning around on social media, he should prioritize the very real concerns of his constituents. Under his watch, our state has become an even worse place to live and do business. Californians need a Governor, not an Influencer.
Newsom is fully invested in this latest reinvention scheme so that he can be anointed as the 2028 Democrat nominee. More organizations like CABIA need to be there at every turn to dog his heels, expose his record, and hold him accountable.
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