Newsom Speaks Candidly About Dyslexia on Atlanta Book Tour Stop

California governor's remarks on SAT scores and reading struggles draw conservative backlash

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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California Governor Gavin Newsom spoke openly about his experiences with dyslexia during a stop on his book tour in Atlanta, prompting criticism from conservatives who accused him of making derogatory comments to a Black audience. However, video showed a diverse crowd at the event, and Newsom said he was trying to connect with people by being authentic about his own struggles.

Why it matters

Newsom is widely expected to mount a bid for the Democratic presidential nomination in 2028, and his book tour is seen as part of his efforts to build a national profile beyond his home state. The controversy over his remarks on dyslexia could impact his political ambitions.

The details

During a conversation with Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens at the Rialto Center for the Arts, Newsom spoke candidly about living with dyslexia and his difficulties with reading. He told the audience, "I'm not trying to impress you, I'm just trying to impress upon you, I'm like you. I'm no better than you. You know, I'm a 960 SAT guy." He also said, "You've never seen me read a speech, because I cannot read a speech." A 38-second clip of these remarks was shared on social media by the conservative End Wokeness account, which claimed Newsom was making the comments to a Black crowd, prompting criticism from conservatives who accused him of being derogatory. However, video of the event showed a diverse audience.

  • Newsom spoke about his dyslexia during a stop on his book tour in Atlanta on Saturday, February 23, 2026.
  • Newsom's memoir, "Young Man in a Hurry," is set to be released on February 24, 2026.

The players

Gavin Newsom

The Democratic governor of California who is widely expected to mount a bid for the 2028 presidential nomination.

Andre Dickens

The mayor of Atlanta, who participated in a conversation with Newsom at the event.

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What they’re saying

“Gavin Newsom just said he is like a black person because he got a bad SAT score and can't read. I wish I could come up with something witty, but it's so disgusting, I can't. I look forward to all my Democrat colleagues in Congress demanding his resignation tomorrow.”

— Representative Randy Fine, Florida Republican (X)

“His way of bonding with black ppl is to tell them how stupid he is & that he can't read. This means my first read on him was correct. He's been handed so many things & put in high positions he never earned or deserved.”

— Nicki Minaj (X)

What’s next

Newsom's memoir, "Young Man in a Hurry," is set to be released on February 24, 2026. His book tour will then head to Rock Hill, South Carolina on Monday, followed by stops in New York, San Francisco, and Los Angeles.

The takeaway

Newsom's candid remarks about his struggles with dyslexia and reading difficulties highlight his efforts to connect with voters by being authentic, even if it means acknowledging personal challenges. However, the conservative backlash to his comments demonstrates the political risks he may face as he seeks to build a national profile.