California’s Democrat Gov. Gavin Newsom is facing allegations of “liberal racism” after remarks he made about black people at a Sunday night event in Atlanta while promoting his new book.
Speaking with Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens, Newsom attempted to relate to the mostly black audience by downplaying his academic credentials.
“I’m not trying to impress you,” Newsom said.
“I’m just trying to impress upon you, ‘I’m like you. I’m not better than you.’
“I’m a 960 SAT guy.”
He added:
“And I’m not trying to offend anyone.
“I’m not trying to act all there if you got 940 …
“You’ve never seen me read a speech because I cannot read a speech.”
WATCH:
According to 2024 College Board data, the national average SAT score for black test takers was 907 out of 1600, while white test takers averaged 1083.
The comments immediately drew accusations that Newsom was engaging in racial stereotyping while attempting to connect with the crowd.
Questions About Background and Privilege
Newsom, 58, graduated from Santa Clara University in 1989.
He received a letter of recommendation from former California Gov. Jerry Brown, who had previously appointed Newsom’s father to serve as a state appellate judge.
Newsom has insisted that his admission was based on athletics rather than connections.
“I don’t think it’s relevant at all,” Newsom told The New York Times earlier this month about the Brown letter.
“The ticket to Santa Clara came through the baseball, not anything else. And that was the point I was making in the book.”
Critics, however, argue that Newsom’s attempt to portray himself as an outsider clashes with his political lineage and long career in elite California political circles.
Gavin "I Grew Up Poor" Newsom was in the SF Chronicle 1991 "Children of the Rich" pic.twitter.com/zhFE8vsN3Y
— End Wokeness (@EndWokeness) February 23, 2026
Republican Leaders Respond
Rep. Randy Fine (R-FL) wrote on X:
“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.”
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. https://t.co/EsfKeZjWmi
— Congressman Randy Fine (@RepFine) February 23, 2026
Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX) accused Newsom of engaging in what he called “the soft bigotry of low expectations” and amplified a post from political scientist Carol M. Swain that read:
“Liberal racism on display.”
Cultural Backlash
Music star Nicki Minaj also weighed in on social media, writing:
“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.”
Conservative commentator Stephen L. Miller posted an image of Steve Martin’s character from the 1979 film “The Jerk,” who famously declared, “I was born a poor black child.”
“Gavin Newsom rolling into 2028,” Miller wrote.
2028 Implications
Newsom, widely viewed as a potential Democrat contender in 2028, has increasingly sought national attention beyond California.
But critics argue that the Atlanta remarks highlight a recurring problem for the governor as his efforts to appear relatable instead raise questions about tone and judgment.
For opponents, the episode reinforces a broader critique of Democrat messaging on race, as attempts at outreach often drift into condescension.
Newsom’s office has not issued a clarification or retraction regarding the comments.
As the 2028 cycle begins to take shape, the controversy is likely to follow him beyond California.
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