Newsom's 'Low IQ' Remark Sparks Backlash

California governor's attempt to connect with black voters backfires

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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California Governor Gavin Newsom is facing criticism after making comments that were perceived as condescending towards black voters. At an event intended to focus on outreach to the black community, Newsom claimed he could relate to them because he had a low SAT score and struggles with reading, sparking accusations of the 'bigotry of low expectations'.

Why it matters

Newsom's remarks highlight a pattern among some Democratic politicians who try to appear relatable to minority voters by making presumptions about their capabilities, reinforcing harmful stereotypes. This incident underscores the disconnect between the intended message and the actual reception, especially when the audience appears to be predominantly white.

The details

In a video that has gone viral, Newsom told the audience, 'I am like you. I'm a 960 SAT guy. I can't read.' The comments were widely criticized as patronizing and out of touch, with observers noting that the cheering crowd seemed to be mostly white, raising questions about who Newsom was actually trying to appeal to.

  • The event where Newsom made the remarks took place on February 23, 2026.

The players

Gavin Newsom

The current governor of California, who has been accused of making condescending remarks towards black voters.

Christopher F. Rufo

A commentator who pointed out that the audience Newsom was addressing appeared to be predominantly white, not the black community the event was intended to reach.

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What they’re saying

“Clearly, there's a major disconnect between the intended audience for that message and the actual crowd in attendance.”

— Christopher F. Rufo, Commentator (Twitter)

The takeaway

This incident highlights the ongoing challenge for politicians to authentically connect with diverse communities, especially when their attempts come across as patronizing or reinforcing harmful stereotypes. It underscores the need for more thoughtful and nuanced outreach efforts that avoid the 'bigotry of low expectations'.