Newsom's Book Tour Sparks Backlash from Republicans and LGBTQ+ Lawmakers

California governor faces criticism over remarks on academics and calls for Democratic Party to be 'more culturally normal'

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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California Gov. Gavin Newsom is facing heat from conservatives and LGBTQ+ advocates just days into his national book tour for his memoir 'Young Man in a Hurry.' Republicans have accused Newsom of making racist remarks about his own academic struggles, while LGBTQ+ lawmakers have criticized his calls for the Democratic Party to be 'more culturally normal' and less focused on 'pronouns and identity.' The backlash has put Newsom's book tour in the national spotlight, which some say is good publicity as he positions himself for a potential 2028 presidential run.

Why it matters

Newsom's book tour is seen as an effort to introduce himself to a national audience and position himself as a leading Democratic voice against former President Trump. However, the controversy over his recent remarks has threatened to overshadow that strategy, raising questions about Newsom's political positioning and his relationship with key Democratic constituencies.

The details

During a conversation with Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens, Newsom referred to himself as a '960 SAT guy,' which Republicans interpreted as disparaging Black people. Newsom and his office denied the remarks were racist, with the mayor saying Newsom was being vulnerable about his own struggles with dyslexia. Meanwhile, Newsom's comments about the Democratic Party needing to be 'more culturally normal' and less focused on 'pronouns and identity' drew criticism from the California Legislative LGBTQ Caucus, who said it implied some people are 'not normal.' Newsom has a history of angering LGBTQ+ allies, including past comments about transgender athletes.

  • Newsom's book tour kicked off just a few days ago.
  • Newsom made the remarks about his SAT score and the Democratic Party on Sunday and Monday, respectively.

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 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 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 stops on his six-city tour. With a year left in his governorship, some critics have said Newsom should stay focused on issues in California rather than going on a national book tour.

The takeaway

Newsom's book tour has become a lightning rod for criticism from both conservatives and some members of his own party, raising questions about his political positioning and ability to unite the Democratic coalition as he eyes a potential 2028 presidential run. The controversy highlights the challenges Newsom may face in introducing himself to a national audience and shaking off perceptions of being an out-of-touch liberal elite.