Newsom Defends Remarks About SAT Scores and Dyslexia Amid Conservative Backlash

California governor's office calls accusations of bigotry "MAGA-manufactured outrage"

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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California Governor Gavin Newsom and Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens pushed back against conservatives who accused Newsom of racism and bigotry for comments he made about his academic struggles, including a 960 SAT score, while promoting his new book. Newsom said he was trying to relate to the audience and open up about his lifelong challenge with dyslexia, but conservatives like Senator Tim Scott claimed Newsom was "using your mediocre academics as a way to patronize communities." Newsom's communications director called the backlash "fake MAGA-manufactured outrage."

Why it matters

The incident highlights the ongoing political tensions and accusations of racism and bigotry that have become commonplace in American politics, even when the context suggests a more nuanced and personal narrative. Newsom's remarks were intended to connect with the audience, but were seized upon by conservatives as an opportunity to attack the Democratic governor, potentially as part of a broader effort to undermine his political standing ahead of a potential 2028 presidential run.

The details

During an event with Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens, Newsom spoke about his academic challenges, including scoring a 960 on the SAT, and said he was "not trying to impress you, I'm just trying to impress upon you I'm like you, I'm not better than you." Conservatives, including Fox News host Sean Hannity and Republican Senator Tim Scott, accused Newsom of racism and bigotry for making those comments to a Black elected official. Newsom pushed back, saying he was simply being vulnerable about his lifelong struggle with dyslexia, and accused conservatives of "fake f****** outrage" over his remarks while ignoring more egregious comments from former President Trump.

  • Newsom spoke about his SAT scores and dyslexia on Sunday, February 23, 2026.
  • Newsom's communications director responded to the backlash on Monday, February 24, 2026.

The players

Gavin Newsom

The Democratic governor of California who is promoting his new book and facing accusations of racism and bigotry from conservatives over comments he made about his academic struggles.

Andre Dickens

The mayor of Atlanta who was on stage with Newsom when he made the comments about his SAT scores and dyslexia.

Sean Hannity

A Fox News host who shared the clip of Newsom's remarks and accused him of racism.

Tim Scott

A Republican senator who accused Newsom of "using your mediocre academics as a way to patronize communities."

Donald Trump

The former president who shared a video depicting former President Barack Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama as apes, which Newsom referenced in his response to the backlash.

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What they’re saying

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

— Gavin Newsom, Governor of California (cbsnews.com)

“Take it from someone who was actually in the chair asking the questions: context matters more than a headline. That wasn't an attack on anyone. It was a moment of vulnerability about his own journey.”

— Andre Dickens, Mayor of Atlanta (Instagram)

“Newsom suffers from the 'bigotry of low expectations' and I for one am tired of Democrats (including the likes of Kathy Hochul and Joe Biden) stereotyping Black people.”

— Tim Scott, U.S. Senator (cbsnews.com)

What’s next

Newsom is expected to visit New Hampshire in March as part of his book tour, which could be seen as a precursor to a potential 2028 presidential run.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the highly charged political climate in the U.S., where even personal anecdotes can be seized upon and twisted for political gain. It underscores the need for greater nuance, empathy and context in political discourse, rather than knee-jerk accusations of bigotry or racism.