A bold message appeared in the heart of Times Square, timed perfectly with Super Bowl week. A billboard, splashed in the iconic green and white of the New York Jets, featured a striking image: California Governor Gavin Newsom wearing a Jets jersey, the word "California" boldly across the chest.
The advertisement, unveiled by a business group, wasn’t a celebration of football prowess. It was a pointed critique, drawing a parallel between Newsom’s leadership and the Jets’ decades-long struggle for success – a franchise notorious for underperformance and dashed hopes.
The billboard’s message was stark: “His record is worse than the Jets. #1 in High Taxes and Homelessness.” It’s a direct challenge to Newsom as speculation mounts about a potential presidential run in 2028, questioning his effectiveness at home before considering a national stage.
California has grappled with a growing homelessness crisis, despite an unprecedented $24 billion invested in solutions. A recent state audit revealed a troubling lack of accountability, with officials unable to demonstrate concrete results from the massive expenditure.
Adding to the concerns, California consistently ranks among the states with the highest tax burdens and cost of living, fueling criticism from those who believe the state’s economic policies are unsustainable. The Jets, meanwhile, finished their recent season with a dismal 3-14 record.
The comparison isn’t accidental. The Jets haven’t reached the NFL playoffs since 2010, a period of frustration for their loyal, yet increasingly disheartened, fanbase. The advertisement aims to tap into that sentiment, suggesting a similar sense of disappointment among Californians.
The team endured a particularly rough start to the season, losing their first seven games before finally securing a win. This prolonged struggle mirrors, according to the group behind the billboard, the perceived failures of Newsom’s governance.
The message is clear: before setting sights on national politics, Newsom needs to address the pressing issues facing California. The billboard serves as a provocative reminder of the challenges that define his time in office, framed within the language of a city that understands sporting heartbreak.
