Gavin Newsom Defends Remarks About SAT Score and Dyslexia After Backlash

The California governor faced criticism from conservatives for comments made during an event in Atlanta.

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

California Governor Gavin Newsom faced backlash after making comments about his SAT score and struggles with dyslexia during an event in Atlanta. In a clip that went viral, Newsom told the audience 'I'm a 960 SAT guy' and 'I cannot read a speech.' This prompted accusations from conservatives that Newsom was being 'racist' and insulting to Black attendees. Newsom defended himself, saying he was being vulnerable about his own challenges and that the comments were taken out of context.

Why it matters

Newsom's remarks touched on sensitive issues of race and education, sparking a political firestorm. The incident highlights the charged nature of discussions around academic performance and the challenges faced by those with learning disabilities, especially when made by a prominent political figure.

The details

During the event in Atlanta, Newsom was speaking about his memoir 'Young Man in a Hurry' and attempting to connect with the audience by being open about his own struggles. He revealed that he scored a 960 on the SAT and has not overcome his lifelong battle with dyslexia. Newsom said he was 'not trying to impress' the audience, but rather 'trying to impress upon you, I'm like you. I'm no better than you.' However, a clip of these comments went viral, with conservative figures like Megyn Kelly, Rick Scott, and Nicki Minaj accusing Newsom of being racist and insulting Black attendees.

  • Newsom made the remarks during an event in Atlanta on February 23, 2026.

The players

Gavin Newsom

The Democratic governor of California who was speaking at an event in Atlanta.

Andre Dickens

The Democratic mayor of Atlanta who was moderating the event where Newsom spoke.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Take it from someone who was actually in the chair asking the questions: context matters more than a headline. The conversation around his new book included him speaking about his own academic struggles, including not doing well on the SAT. That wasn't an attack on anyone. It was a moment of vulnerability about his own journey.”

— Andre Dickens, Mayor of Atlanta (Instagram)

“You didn't give a shit about the President of the United States of America posting an ape video of President Obama or calling African nations shitholes — but you're going to call me racist for talking about my lifelong struggle with dyslexia? Spare me your fake fucking outrage, Sean.”

— Gavin Newsom (Twitter)

What’s next

Newsom's remarks and the subsequent backlash are likely to continue being a topic of discussion, with some calling for further explanation or apology from the governor. The incident may also prompt broader conversations about how public figures discuss issues of race, education, and disability.

The takeaway

This controversy highlights the delicate balance public figures must strike when discussing personal challenges, especially when those challenges intersect with sensitive social and political issues. Newsom's attempt to connect with the audience by being vulnerable about his own struggles was interpreted by some as insensitive, underscoring the need for nuanced, context-driven discourse on complex topics.