Newsom Faces Backlash from Both Sides During Book Tour

California governor's remarks on academics and cultural 'normality' draw criticism from Republicans and LGBTQ+ advocates

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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California Governor Gavin Newsom is facing heat from both conservatives and LGBTQ+ lawmakers during his book tour for 'Young Man in a Hurry: A Memoir of Discovery'. Remarks about his own academic struggles have been criticized as disparaging Black people, while comments about the Democratic Party needing to be 'more culturally normal' have angered LGBTQ+ advocates. The backlash has put Newsom's book tour in the national spotlight, which some see as valuable publicity as he is expected to run for president in 2028.

Why it matters

Newsom's book tour is seen as a precursor to a potential 2028 presidential run, so the reactions to his comments will be closely watched as he seeks to position himself as a leading Democratic voice. The criticism from both sides highlights the challenges he may face in appealing to a broad national audience.

The details

During a conversation with Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens, Newsom referred to his 'lower-than-average' SAT score of 960, saying 'I'm like you, I'm no better than you.' This drew accusations from Republicans that he was disparaging Black people's intelligence. Newsom's office denied this, saying the diverse crowd was laughing at his comments. Meanwhile, Newsom told CNN the Democratic Party needs to be 'more culturally normal' and focus less on 'pronouns, identity' - a remark that sparked criticism from the California Legislative LGBTQ Caucus, who said it implies some are 'not normal'.

  • Newsom's book 'Young Man in a Hurry: A Memoir of Discovery' was released on Tuesday, February 25, 2026.
  • Newsom made the remarks about his SAT score on Sunday, February 23, 2026 during a conversation with Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens.
  • Newsom's comments about the Democratic Party needing to be 'more culturally normal' were made in a CNN interview that aired on Monday, February 24, 2026.

The players

Gavin Newsom

The two-term Democratic governor of California who is widely expected to seek the presidency in 2028.

Andre Dickens

The mayor of Atlanta who participated in a conversation with Newsom.

Tim Scott

A Republican senator from South Carolina who is Black and criticized Newsom's remarks.

Sean Hannity

A host on the Fox News Channel who criticized Newsom and was accused by Newsom's office of fake outrage.

California Legislative LGBTQ Caucus

A group of LGBTQ+ lawmakers in California who criticized Newsom's comments about the Democratic Party needing to be 'more culturally normal'.

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What they’re saying

“Black Americans aren't your low bar. We've built empires, created movements, outworked, outhustled and outsmarted people like you. Stop using your mediocre academics as a way to patronize communities. Its ridiculous!”

— Tim Scott, U.S. Senator, South Carolina (Twitter)

“That wasn't an attack on anyone. It was a moment of vulnerability about his own journey. We've gotten so used to loud, chest-pounding politics that when someone speaks about shortcomings, people try to twist it into something else.”

— Andre Dickens, Mayor of Atlanta (Instagram)

“It's deeply concerning for anyone, especially our elected leaders, to be defining who or what is 'culturally normal.' By definition, it implies someone else is 'not normal.'”

— California Legislative LGBTQ Caucus (Statement)

What’s next

Newsom's book tour will continue with stops in San Francisco and Los Angeles, the final two cities on his schedule. With a year left in his governorship, some critics have said he should stay focused on issues in California rather than touring the country.

The takeaway

Newsom's book tour has put him in the national spotlight, which could be valuable as he is expected to run for president in 2028. However, the backlash he has faced from both conservatives and LGBTQ+ advocates over his recent comments highlights the challenges he may face in appealing to a broad national audience and uniting the Democratic Party.