Newsom’s SAT Remark: Racism or Relatability?

Governor Gavin Newsom’s attempt to relate to a Black audience by boasting a low 960 SAT score backfired spectacularly, exposing liberal condescension that conservatives call the bigotry of low expectations.

Story Highlights

Newsom told Atlanta crowd “I’m like you” before citing his poor SAT score and dyslexia during February 22 book tour event.
Conservative influencers amplified viral clip to over 20 million views, sparking nationwide backlash against perceived racism.
Senator Tim Scott condemned remarks as patronizing Black Americans who have “built empires” despite obstacles.
Newsom dismissed criticism as “MAGA-manufactured outrage,” but even Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens’ defense failed to quell conservative outrage.

Newsom’s Atlanta Book Tour Gaffe

California Governor Gavin Newsom spoke at the Rialto Center for the Arts in Atlanta on February 22, 2026, promoting his memoir “Young Man in a Hurry.” During a conversation with Black Mayor Andre Dickens, Newsom referenced his lifelong dyslexia struggles. He stated he scored 960 on his SAT and declared “I’m like you,” aiming to show relatability. The audience included diverse attendees, but conservatives seized on the exchange as insulting to Black achievement. This moment, captured in a clip, ignited immediate partisan firestorm.

Conservative Backlash Explodes Online

The “End Wokeness” account posted the clip on February 23, 2026, racking up over 20 million views within days. Fox News commentator Sean Hannity highlighted it, tweeting “@GavinNewsom Thinks a 960 SAT Makes Him ‘Like’ Black Americans. Let That Sink In.” Republican Senator Tim Scott fired back forcefully: “Black Americans aren’t your low bar. We’ve built empires, created movements, outworked, outhustled and outsmarted people like you.” Critics argued Newsom’s words reflected Democrats’ persistent low expectations for minorities, a charge echoing long-standing conservative critiques of paternalistic policies.

Newsom’s Defensive Response Falls Flat

Newsom’s spokesperson Izzy Gardon called the uproar “fake MAGA-manufactured outrage,” noting the governor has shared his SAT score and dyslexia story for years, including with conservative audiences like the late Charlie Kirk. Newsom himself posted a profanity-laced retort on X against Hannity, accusing him of ignoring President Trump’s remarks while fixating on dyslexia comments. This escalation only fueled perceptions of deflection. With 2028 White House ambitions in view, the gaffe underscores risks of tone-deaf outreach that alienates key voters frustrated by elite condescension.

Mayor Dickens Defends Amid Partisan Divide

Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens, who interviewed Newsom, defended the context: “Take it from someone who was actually in the chair asking the questions: context matters more than a headline.” He described it as vulnerability about Newsom’s journey, not an attack. Despite this, conservative senators like Rick Scott joined the condemnation, viewing it as emblematic of liberal overreach. The incident highlights how social media decontextualizes clips, weaponizing them against Democrats while President Trump’s America First policies restore common-sense focus on real achievements over identity pandering.

Short-term fallout damages Newsom’s national image, reinforcing partisan rifts as conservatives expose what they see as hypocritical woke posturing. Long-term, it questions Democratic viability with Black voters prioritizing merit over excuses, aligning with values of self-reliance that define American success under Trump’s leadership.