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

California governor's remarks on academics and cultural 'normality' draw criticism as he promotes memoir

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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California Governor Gavin Newsom is facing backlash from both Republicans and LGBTQ+ lawmakers during his national book tour for his memoir 'Young Man in a Hurry.' Conservatives have accused Newsom of making racist comments about his own academic struggles, while LGBTQ+ advocates have criticized his calls for the Democratic Party to be more 'culturally normal' and less focused on issues like pronouns and identity. The tour is testing the limits of Newsom's strategy to position himself as a leading Democratic adversary to former President Trump and a player on the national stage as he is widely expected to seek the presidency in 2028.

Why it matters

Newsom's book tour is an early step in what is expected to be a presidential run in 2028, so the reactions and criticisms he faces could shape the narrative around his potential candidacy. The backlash from both conservatives and LGBTQ+ allies highlights the delicate balance Newsom must strike as he tries to appeal to a broad national audience while not alienating key Democratic constituencies.

The details

During a conversation with Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens, Newsom referred to himself as a '960 SAT guy,' which Republicans said was disparaging towards Black people. Newsom's office denied the remarks were racist, and Dickens said critics were taking the comments out of context. Newsom has also faced criticism from LGBTQ+ lawmakers in California over his comments that the Democratic Party needs to be 'more culturally normal' and less focused on issues like pronouns and identity. The California Legislative LGBTQ Caucus said Newsom's language was concerning and echoed that of 'MAGA extremists.'

  • Newsom's book 'Young Man in a Hurry' was released on Tuesday, February 25, 2026.
  • Newsom's national book tour began just a few days prior to the book's release.

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 had a conversation with Newsom that sparked controversy.

Tim Scott

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

Sean Hannity

A host on the Fox News Channel who 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.'

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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 (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 stops on his six-city promotional tour.

The takeaway

Newsom's book tour has highlighted the delicate balance he must strike as he seeks to position himself as a national Democratic leader and potential 2028 presidential candidate. His remarks on academics and cultural 'normality' have drawn criticism from both conservatives and LGBTQ+ advocates, underscoring the challenges he faces in appealing to a broad audience without alienating key Democratic constituencies.