In a provocative political display timed to coincide with Super Bowl week, a California business group has unveiled a billboard in New York City’s Times Square comparing Governor Gavin Newsom to one of the NFL’s most notoriously underperforming franchises, the New York Jets.

The California Business and Industrial Alliance (CABIA) revealed the advertisement Tuesday, using the sports analogy to critique Newsom’s performance on issues like homelessness and taxation. The billboard, featuring Newsom in Jets green with “California” emblazoned across the jersey, boldly declares: “His record is worse than the Jets. #1 in High Taxes and Homelessness.”

“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, CABIA’s founder. “Much like New Yorkers feel about the Jets, Californians expected more than what they’ve seen from Governor Newsom.”

The timing of the billboard is deliberate, aiming to capitalize on the national attention surrounding the Super Bowl. It also comes amid growing speculation about Newsom’s potential presidential ambitions for 2028, as the Democratic governor has increasingly raised his national profile.

The comparison to the Jets is particularly pointed. The NFL team finished the 2025 season with a dismal 3-14 record, losing their first seven games and further demoralizing their long-suffering fan base. The Jets haven’t made the playoffs since the 2010 postseason, representing over a decade of disappointment for fans.

Critics of Newsom, particularly Republicans, have focused on California’s persistent homelessness crisis despite substantial government spending. A 2024 state audit revealed that California failed to effectively track results from an unprecedented $24 billion allocated to combat homelessness, raising questions about fiscal oversight and program effectiveness.

California also bears one of the nation’s highest tax burdens. The state’s top marginal income tax rate of 13.3% is the highest in the country, and its overall cost of living consistently ranks among the most expensive nationwide. Critics argue these factors have contributed to California’s net population loss in recent years, as residents seek more affordable living conditions elsewhere.

The billboard represents a growing trend of using high-visibility advertising in major metropolitan areas to make political statements. Times Square, with its massive foot traffic and iconic status, offers maximum exposure for such messaging, particularly during high-profile events like Super Bowl week.

This public criticism comes as Newsom has been increasing his social media presence and national visibility. The governor has been an outspoken critic of Republican policies and has positioned himself as a defender of progressive values on the national stage. His recent activities have fueled speculation about his future political ambitions beyond California.

CABIA, the organization behind the billboard, describes itself as a business advocacy group focused on improving California’s business climate. The organization has previously criticized state policies it views as overly burdensome to businesses and employers.

Neither Governor Newsom’s office nor the Jets organization have publicly responded to the billboard as of this reporting. The advertisement is expected to remain in Times Square through Super Bowl weekend, ensuring maximum visibility during one of the year’s most-watched sporting events.

As political messaging continues to evolve and find new venues, this sports-themed critique represents an innovative attempt to frame political discourse in terms familiar to the general public, using America’s most popular sport as a vehicle for political commentary.