NFIB members from around the state gathered in Sacramento, May 5, to deliver the small business message throughout the State Capitol.

The halls of the Legislature’s Swing Space, where assemblymembers and senators have their offices, were packed on all floors, but one group seemed to have the easiest time getting in—visiting NFIB-member small business owners.

“Even though I’m used to seeing it, I still marvel at the reception small business owners are given when they stop by a state lawmaker’s office,” said John Kabateck, state director for NFIB in California. “The handshakes are more sincere than formal, the looks on lawmakers’ faces warm and glowing as opposed to pasted on. Small business owners are the most highly regarded group of people in the nation and you can see it in the reaction of legislators. This matters big time because when we tell policymakers what’s on our mind, the message is more likely to be retained.”

This year’s Leadership Day at the Capitol started the night before when three legislators, Sens. Brian Jones and Roger Niello and Assemblymember James Gallagher, received Guardian of Small Business Awards, NFIB’s highest honor, at a dinner event across the street from the State Capitol.

The next day Assemblywomen Blanca Rubio and Alexandra Macedo and Sen. Tony Strickland dropped by to talk directly to, and hear directly from, NFIB members in the morning session. Members were then divided into three groups for office visits in the afternoon.

“I haven’t encountered a member yet, in all my time here, who didn’t come away from our event without remarking on the value they got for coming,” said Kabateck. “I’d like to commend Policy Director Tim Taylor and Grassroots Manager Matthew Woolley for the work they put into making 2026’s Leadership Day one of the best ever.”

Photos below.