Independent journalist Nick Shirley criticized California’s political climate and what he characterized as a lack of fiscal accountability during a speech Tuesday night at Booth’s BBQ Restaurant near the University of Mississippi. Speaking to an audience of approximately 200 students, he expressed concern over the state’s attempts to suppress citizen watchdogs.
Shirley is engaged in a legal battle against California regarding Assembly Bill 2624, which he referred to as the “Stop Nick Shirley Act.” The legislation was introduced by Assemblymember Mia Bonta, a Democrat from Alameda, California, who is married to Attorney General Rob Bonta. The law has faced significant backlash from Republicans, who allege it specifically targets independent reporters who investigate misuse of public funds.
“After Minnesota, I went and set my sights on California, and now I’m currently suing the state of California for this new law they created to try and stop me,” Shirley told attendees. He added, “They don’t want to have people like us go out and expose this fraud.” The law is set to take effect on October 1, 2027.
Shirley further argued that California’s political environment has become so oppressive that key business leaders have likened its regulatory practices to those of foreign regimes. He claimed that Elon Musk once told him that California resembles China in terms of its regulatory atmosphere. “Then they go vote on [the law], and not a single Democrat votes against it,” he noted.
California has acknowledged issues with fraud within the state. Recently, Attorney General Bonta announced charges against 103 home service providers for Medi-Cal fraud. He had previously held a press conference in April discussing $267 million in alleged hospice fraud.
In response to a question regarding the implications of the law on uncovering fraud, Shirley expressed skepticism. “It is twisted,” he said, while acknowledging the state’s efforts to combat fraud. He remarked, “I think it is good he is exposing fraud,” but pointed out that officials had previously dismissed concerns until independent reports illuminated the issues.
The federal lawsuit filed by America’s First Legal, in conjunction with attorney John W. Howard, challenges the constitutionality of the Stop Nick Shirley Act, claiming it infringes upon the First Amendment and the 14th Amendment’s Due Process Clause. The lawsuit names Attorney General Bonta and Secretary of State Shirley Weber.
Gene Hamilton, president of America First Legal, criticized the law, asserting that it attempts to silence an individual exposing long-tolerated fraud. “California was so threatened by that work that the Attorney General’s own wife introduced a bill to silence Mr. Shirley,” he stated in a press release.
Although Governor Gavin Newsom signed the bill into law on August 23, he has not publicly commented on the decision. Supporters of the legislation, including Assemblymember Mia Bonta, defended it as necessary to protect employees and volunteers in immigration services from harassment.
Mississippi State Auditor Shad White, a Republican who introduced Shirley at the event, echoed concerns about government waste and emphasized the importance of independent journalism in addressing taxpayer fund misuse. He stated that eliminating fraud is essential for providing direct tax relief to working families.
