Gavin Newsom Faces Backlash After Telling Black Mayor He’s a ‘960 SAT Guy’

California Governor Gavin Newsom is drawing criticism after telling Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens that he once scored a 960 on the SAT, a remark opponents say came off as patronizing during a public appearance promoting his memoir, Young Man in a Hurry.

During the Sunday event, Newsom sought to present himself as relatable. “I’m like you. I’m not better than you,” he said. “I’m a 960 SAT guy.” He later added that he struggles with dyslexia and does not read speeches from prepared text.

Gov. Newsom to a black crowd in GA: “I am like you. I’m a 960 SAT guy. I can’t read.” pic.twitter.com/4Gk0WKbIYz

— End Wokeness (@EndWokeness) February 23, 2026

The comment quickly sparked controversy on social media, with critics arguing that referencing a low SAT score while speaking to a black elected official carried uncomfortable implications. According to College Board data, average SAT scores vary across demographic groups, a statistic some online commentators cited in evaluating the remark.

Senator Ted Cruz accused Newsom of engaging in what he described as the “soft bigotry of low expectations,” a phrase used in past political debates about education and race. Representative Randy Fine also criticized the governor, calling the comment inappropriate.

Rapper Nicki Minaj posted a lengthy critique on social media, alleging that Newsom’s tone and phrasing reflected condescension. Her comments amplified the backlash and fueled a broader online debate over whether the governor’s remarks were tone deaf or misinterpreted.

Newsom pushed back Monday, arguing that his comments were about his lifelong struggle with dyslexia rather than race. In a response to Fox News host Sean Hannity, Newsom accused critics of selective outrage and defended his record against charges of racial insensitivity.

The episode highlights the heightened scrutiny surrounding public figures discussing personal shortcomings, particularly in politically charged settings. Newsom, who is widely viewed as a potential 2028 Democratic presidential contender, has frequently positioned himself as a vocal critic of President Trump and conservative rhetoric, making the controversy especially notable in the broader political landscape.