Gavin Newsom Wows Black Audience By Putting Hot Sauce In Purple Drank

California governor's attempt to connect with black voters raises eyebrows

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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While speaking at an event in Atlanta, California Governor Gavin Newsom attempted to connect with a black audience by putting hot sauce in his purple drank and making other stereotypical references, which left many attendees unsure if he was being genuine or just pandering.

Why it matters

Newsom's behavior highlights the challenges politicians can face when trying to appeal to specific demographic groups, as efforts to connect can sometimes come across as insensitive or even offensive if not done thoughtfully.

The details

During the event at the Rialto Center for the Arts, Newsom told the audience "See? I'm exactly like you. It doesn't get more delicious than some hot sauce in your purple drank, am I right? This isn't pandering." He also referenced fathering children he's never met, not changing smoke alarm batteries, and perpetrating a disproportionate amount of crime in his home state. Newsom then sat down to eat fried chicken and asked the crowd if he could get some watermelon, further playing into racial stereotypes.

  • The event took place on February 23, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia.

The players

Gavin Newsom

The current governor of California who was promoting his new memoir at the event.

Andrew Dickens

The mayor of Atlanta who interviewed Newsom on stage.

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What they’re saying

“See? I'm exactly like you. It doesn't get more delicious than some hot sauce in your purple drank, am I right? This isn't pandering.”

— Gavin Newsom, Governor of California

“Boy, I wish I had some watermelon, am I right, my brothers?”

— Gavin Newsom, Governor of California

The takeaway

Newsom's attempt to connect with the black audience through stereotypical references and behavior was seen by many as insensitive pandering, highlighting the delicate balance politicians must strike when trying to appeal to specific demographic groups.