Newsom Faces Backlash from GOP and LGBTQ+ Lawmakers During Book Tour

California governor's remarks on dyslexia and 'cultural normalcy' draw criticism as he promotes memoir

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

California Governor Gavin Newsom is facing heat from both Republicans and LGBTQ+ advocates during the promotional tour for his new memoir 'Young Man in a Hurry.' Conservatives have accused Newsom of making racist comments about Black people's intelligence, while LGBTQ+ lawmakers have bristled at his calls for the Democratic Party to be more 'culturally normal' and less focused on issues like pronouns and identity. Newsom has pushed back against the criticism, arguing his remarks were taken out of context, but the controversy has put his book tour in the national spotlight.

Why it matters

Newsom is widely expected to seek the presidency in 2028, so how he navigates these controversies during his book tour could have implications for his future political ambitions. The backlash also highlights the challenges Democrats face in appealing to both their progressive base and more moderate voters.

The details

During a conversation with Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens, Newsom referred to his lower-than-average SAT score, saying 'I'm like you, I'm no better than you, I'm a 960 SAT guy.' Republicans accused Newsom of disparaging Black people's intelligence, which Newsom's office forcefully denied. In another interview, Newsom said the Democratic Party needs to be 'more culturally normal' and less focused on issues like pronouns and identity, drawing criticism from the California Legislative LGBTQ Caucus.

  • Newsom's book 'Young Man in a Hurry' was released on Tuesday, February 25, 2026.
  • Newsom made the controversial remarks about his SAT score during a book tour event on Sunday, February 23, 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 during his book tour.

Tim Scott

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

Sean Hannity

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

California Legislative LGBTQ Caucus

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

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

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 (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 is scheduled to continue with stops in San Francisco and Los Angeles in the coming days. The controversy over his remarks could continue to be a distraction as he promotes the memoir and potentially lays the groundwork for a future presidential run.

The takeaway

Newsom's book tour has highlighted the challenges he faces in appealing to both his progressive base and more moderate voters as he seeks to position himself as a national Democratic leader. The backlash from Republicans and LGBTQ+ advocates shows the fine line he must walk in addressing issues of identity and culture while also focusing on 'kitchen table' economic concerns.