California GOP Chair Slams Newsom Over 'Racist' Viral Clip

Chairwoman Corrin Rankin says Newsom's comments about his SAT scores show a 'condescending' attitude toward Black voters.

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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California GOP chairwoman Corrin Rankin has criticized Gov. Gavin Newsom over a viral clip where he discussed his poor SAT scores, which many have labeled as 'racist'. Rankin says Newsom's comments reflect a broader issue of Democrats speaking to Black voters in a condescending way, and that the remarks will 'haunt him' for the rest of his political career.

Why it matters

The controversy highlights ongoing tensions between Democrats and Republicans over issues of race and representation, with the GOP accusing Newsom of perpetuating harmful stereotypes about the intellectual capabilities of Black Americans.

The details

In the viral clip, Newsom is seen telling Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens that he 'can't read' and did poorly on his SAT. Many conservatives viewed this as Newsom pandering to Black viewers and talking down to them. Rankin, the first Black chair of the California GOP, says Newsom's comments show he 'truly believes that black people, black Americans, are intellectually inferior'.

  • The controversial clip was posted on Sunday, February 23, 2026.

The players

Gavin Newsom

The current governor of California who is facing criticism over his remarks.

Corrin Rankin

The first Black chairwoman of the California Republican Party, who has condemned Newsom's comments as 'racist'.

Andre Dickens

The mayor of Atlanta, who Newsom was speaking to in the viral clip.

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What they’re saying

“You know, you can't go around and say that a segment of your state is intellectually inferior and think you're gonna represent Americans. It's never gonna happen. This is gonna haunt him for the rest of his career and any potential career he thinks he's going to have.”

— Corrin Rankin, California GOP Chairwoman (Fox News)

“Trying to blame this on dyslexia is something that is completely separate from what he intended to say. He truly believes that black people, black Americans, are intellectually inferior. That is where his comments were coming from.”

— Corrin Rankin, California GOP Chairwoman (Fox News)

What’s next

The controversy is likely to continue as Newsom defends his remarks and the California GOP maintains its criticism.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the ongoing political tensions over issues of race and representation, with the Republican Party accusing the Democratic Party of perpetuating harmful stereotypes about the intellectual capabilities of Black Americans.