California Governor Gavin Newsom Faces Backlash Over Racist Remark on SAT Score During Book Event

California Democratic Governor Gavin Newsom has drawn sharp criticism after making remarks during a book tour promoting his new memoir that critics labeled as racist. The comments, delivered to Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens, claimed Newsom related to Black Americans due to his low SAT score and struggles with reading.

During the event, Newsom stated: “I’m not trying to impress you, I’m just trying to impress upon you, I’m like you. I’m not better than you. I’m a 960 SAT guy.”

He added: “You’ve never seen me read a speech because I cannot read a speech.”

The remarks quickly drew condemnation from conservatives and others who accused the governor of perpetuating racial stereotypes. According to 2024 College Board data, the average SAT score for Black students is 907 out of 1600 compared with 1,083 for white students.

Critics argued that Newsom’s attempt to bond with a Black elected official by referencing his own below-average score amounted to what Senator Ted Cruz described as “the soft bigotry of low expectations.”

A representative from Florida wrote on social media: “Gavin Newsom just said he is like a black person because he got a bad SAT score and can’t read. The comments are disgusting and suggest Democrats should demand his resignation.”

Rapper Nicki Minaj also criticized Newsom online, stating that his method of bonding with Black people involves “telling them how stupid he is & that he can’t read.”

A report indicated that a 38-second clip of Newsom’s remarks went viral on social media, with many conservatives accusing the governor of making derogatory comments toward Black Americans. The video showed a racially diverse audience.

Newsom later posted a clip highlighting his struggles with dyslexia and writing: “My mom didn’t want my dyslexia to hold me back.”

He has characterized his book as a story about “resilience” and “humility,” noting that he is “living with” dyslexia.

Critics argue the incident underscores a broader pattern. Newsom, a 1989 graduate of Santa Clara University and widely seen as positioning himself for a potential 2028 presidential bid, has faced questions about political connections. His book tour includes stops in key early primary states such as South Carolina.

As Newsom works to build a national profile beyond California, conservatives contend that his remarks reveal deeper issues within the Democratic Party and could impact him as the 2028 race unfolds.